These slow cooker country style ribs are cooked low and slow until perfectly tender, then finished under the broiler for a caramelized, sticky glaze. Seasoned with pork rub or Santa Maria Seasoning, and basted with spicy huckleberry BBQ sauce, this country style ribs recipe is packed with flavor with minimal effort!
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Like most of you, sometimes I get in a rut and make the same meals over and over again. So when I see something on sale or for a great price, I get inspired to come up with a new recipe.
This country style ribs recipe keeps things simple and flavorful, starting with a generous coating of your favorite pork rub or my Santa Maria seasoning, then letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. The real magic happens at the end, when the ribs are basted with rich, tangy BBQ sauce and broiled until sticky, glossy, and packed with bold flavor. It's the kind of meal that tastes like you fussed all day, even though you didn't!
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🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pork: Country style pork ribs. Look for well-marbled ribs, so they stay juicy and tender. Bone-in adds even more flavor, but you can also use boneless.
- Seasoning: Feel free to use your favorite pork rub seasoning, or try my Santa Maria rub. You'll also need salt, ground ginger, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
- Liquid: Beef bone broth or chicken broth, canned chipotle sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
- BBQ Sauce (optional): I'm using homemade huckleberry BBQ sauce. May substitute with your favorite BBQ sauce or omit it entirely.
🍖 How to Make Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
Step 1: Defrost country style pork ribs if frozen. Arrange ribs in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix broth, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar in a measuring cup. Whisk in brown sugar, pork rub, salt, garlic, and ground ginger, then pour over the ribs. Make sure that every piece is covered with the sauce.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and lock it into place. Set the temperature dial to low. Set a timer for 6 hours. Check ribs after 5 hours; if necessary, cook for up to 6 hours.
Step 4 (optional): Once the ribs are ready, remove from the slow cooker and place on a foil-lined tray. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce, then broil for a minute or two until slightly charred.
🤷🏻♀️ FAQs
Are ribs better in the crockpot or the oven?
It depends on what you're looking for; crockpot ribs are incredibly tender and easy since they cook low and slow with minimal effort. Oven-baked ribs give you more control over texture and can develop a better crust during cooking, so if you want fall-apart ribs with convenience, the slow cooker (plus broiling) is hard to beat!
What's the best liquid for slow cooking ribs?
The best liquid depends on the flavor you're going for, but a small amount of broth, apple juice, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar works great to keep the ribs moist. Since country style ribs release their own juices as they cook, you don't need much.
How to reheat slow cooker country style ribs?
The best way to reheat slow cooker country style ribs is in the oven, so they stay juicy and don't dry out. Place the ribs in a baking dish, add a little broth or extra BBQ sauce, cover with foil, and warm at 300℉ until heated through.
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- Don't skip the broil! The slow cooker makes the ribs tender, but the broiler gives you a crave-worthy finish!
- If you want to go the extra mile, sear the ribs before cooking. It adds a deeper, richer flavor.
- Keep a close eye on the ribs while broiling. They can go from perfect to burnt in a few seconds!
- Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🌮 More Pork Recipes
If you enjoy this slow cooker country style ribs recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious pork recipes!
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📖 Recipe
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Defrost country style pork ribs if frozen. Arrange ribs in your slow cooker.
- Mix broth, chipotle sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar in a measuring cup. Whisk in brown sugar, pork rub, salt, garlic, and ground ginger, then pour over the ribs. Make sure that every piece is covered with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and lock it into place. Set the temperature dial to low. Set a timer for 6 hours. Check ribs after 5 hours; if necessary, cook for up to 6 hours.
- Once the ribs are ready, remove from the slow cooker and place on a foil-lined tray. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce, then broil for a minute or two until slightly charred.
Nutrition
Notes
- Don't skip the broil! This step is optiona, but recommended. The slow cooker makes the ribs tender, but the broiler gives you a crave-worthy finish!
- If you want to go the extra mile, sear the ribs before cooking. It adds a deeper, richer flavor.
- Keep a close eye on the ribs while broiling. They can go from perfect to burnt in a few seconds!
- Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Terry Smith says
I made these ribs tonight. They were very juicy, tasty, and delicious. I didn’t have chipotle sauce, so I looked on line how to make it. I didn’t have the chipotle peppers, so I mixed up mayonnaise, sour cream and red pepper flakes as a substitute. Then I made my own bar-B-Q sauce because my husband can’t eat store bought sauces with liquid smoke in them. Anyway, your recipe was a big hit because I usually just cook the in the oven and they turn out very dry.
Hilda Sterner says
Your comments always put a smile on my face! Next time, give me call, I just might have the ingredient you need. Glad you made it work! A+
Kim Sterner says
The ribs were delicious. They were so tender with just enough spiciness. Perfect meal with a baked potato and a salad.
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, Kim, really appreciate the review! 😘
Hilda Sterner says
We hope you enjoy this recipe!