Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Dec 05, 2022, Updated Jun 25, 2025
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My recipe for slow cooker country style ribs is a no-fuss dinner thats easy to prepare and can be made with just a few ingredients. They are seasoned with a simple rub and cooked in BBQ sauce to make tender, juicy, fall apart ribs. It’s a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy nights when you want dinner ready and waiting.
These slow cooker country style pork ribs have been one of my most popular recipes on the site since I first published this recipe years ago. Readers love how easy these ribs are to make and how incredibly tender they turn out without much effort.
I also love a good crockpot meal, and this has to be one of my favorites. A great dump and go dinner that makes juicy, tender ribs every time.
If you like easy slow cooker meals be sure to try slow cooker chicken wings, slow cooker buffalo chicken, and slow cooker BBQ beef.
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“Wow! My son loves ribs and has had them in many restaurants but he described these as “the best ribs of my life” ! So tasty! I thought I would share his thoughts.” – Leoni
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy dinner idea. Need an idea for dinner tonight? This slow cooker recipe is a must try, easy meal. Tender ribs are cooked low and slow for a delicious dinner the whole family will love.
- Homemade rib rub. A simple homemade BBQ rub that adds lots of flavor to the pork.
- Set it and forget it. Country style ribs in the crockpot can be prepared in the morning and then dinner is ready when you get home from work.
- Family friendly. A delicious, family friendly meal, even picky eaters are sure to enjoy.
Ingredients
One of the best things about this easy slow cooker country style ribs recipe is that is doesn’t require many ingredients.
- Country style ribs – You can use bone-in or boneless ribs for this recipe.
- Seasonings – This recipe calls for a few simple spices for this seasoning mix including salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. I am using Sweet Baby Rays.
How to make slow cooker country style ribs
Scroll to the bottom for the full, printable recipe.
Step one: Put salt, ground black pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Stir to combine the dry rub mixture.
Step two: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place ribs in the cooker.
Step three: Pour the seasoning mixture over the ribs. Rub the seasoning on the ribs to cover. Pour a cup of barbecue sauce over ribs. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.
Step four: Check to make sure they are fork tender. Serve the ribs warm and use additional barbecue sauce as needed.
Recipe tips and variations
- Choose country style ribs that have a good balance of meat to fat for the best flavor.
- If you like a smoky flavor, stir in a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke with the BBQ sauce.
- Want a crispier BBQ crust? Once the ribs have cooked, place them on a foil lined baking sheet, brush with more barbecue sauce, and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
How to store leftover country style ribs
Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or they can be wrapped in foil. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: These ribs can also be frozen. Keep in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
What to serve with crockpot country style ribs
There are so many wonderful things to serve with your ribs. Check out this whole list of BBQ sides. Here are some favorite side dishes:
They can be cooked on high for 6-7 hours or on low temperature for 8 hours to fully cook and be tender.
These country-style ribs do not need to be submerged.
Believe it or not, country-style ribs aren’t ribs. This meat comes from the pork shoulder area of the pig. They are called ribs because they resemble traditional ribs in texture and flavor.
I recommend slow cooking on low heat for 8 hours for the most tender meat. The longer you cook them, the more tender they will be. If they are still a little tough after 8 hours, cook them a little longer.
More pork recipes
- Perfectly cooked pork tenderloin
- 25 pork tenderloin recipes
- 21 Pork belly recipes
- Baked pork chops
- Leftover pulled pork recipes
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds country style ribs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 3/4 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3/4 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Spray the inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place ribs in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle spice mixture over the ribs and then rub the spices over the ribs to coat them.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8 hours.
Video
Notes
- Choose country style ribs that have a good balance of meat to fat for the best flavor.
- If you like a smoky flavor, stir in a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke with the BBQ sauce.
- Want a crispier BBQ crust? Once the ribs have cooked, place them on a foil lined baking sheet, brush with more barbecue sauce, and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I left the salt out. I’m watching my sodium intake. With the BBQ sauce and all the other flavors, it isn’t needed. I also only used a sprinkling of black pepper. Very good and easy recipe. If you like a smoky flavor, you could use smoked paprika instead of plain.
Wow! I followed this recipe and it was delicious! I couldn’t believe how tender the ribs were! Thank you for sharing this with us!