Description
Few things scream comfort food like Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs—tender, juicy, and infused with smoky, savory flavors. This easy crockpot recipe transforms pork shoulder ribs into fall-apart deliciousness with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a hearty family meal or a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this dish delivers every time!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dry Rub:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Ribs:
- 3–4 pounds country-style pork ribs (preferably shoulder cut)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the country-style ribs dry with paper towels. Generously coat them with the dry rub, ensuring all sides are covered. Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow the flavors to absorb.
- Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned ribs on top.
- Mix the Cooking Liquid: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour this mixture over the ribs.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Optionally, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the ribs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Prefer a sweeter version? Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the broth mixture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 35g