BBQ Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a convenient weeknight meal. Slow-cooked to fall-apart perfection and coated in a rich BBQ sauce, they bring the taste of classic barbecue straight to your home with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. country style ribs (boneless or bone-in will work)
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 – 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the country style ribs in the slow cooker. Add the ground mustard, cayenne pepper, paprika, sea salt, cracked pepper, and minced garlic. Toss everything to evenly coat the meat, pressing the seasoning gently into the ribs. Pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure they are covered.
- Step 2: Cook the ribs on low for 6 to 8 hours until they are easily falling apart with a fork. Once done, transfer the ribs to a serving dish and spoon extra BBQ sauce from the slow cooker over them. For an optional finish, broil the ribs for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 3: If you’re short on time, you can cook the ribs on high for 4 to 6 hours, though the meat will be less tender.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce variety to customize the flavor profile.
- For extra caramelization, finish the ribs on a grill for a few minutes instead of broiling.
Storage
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in a low oven to retain moisture. These ribs can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in country style ribs for this recipe?
Yes, both boneless and bone-in country style ribs work well. Bone-in ribs may take slightly longer to cook but offer extra flavor.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can braise the ribs in the oven covered at 300°F (150°C) for about 2 to 3 hours until tender, adding the sauce and seasonings just like in the recipe.
PrintBBQ Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
These BBQ Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of spices and your favorite BBQ sauce, they make a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The ribs become juicy and fall-apart tender, with the option to finish under the broiler for a caramelized BBQ sauce glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ribs
- 3 lb. country style ribs (boneless or bone-in)
Spices and Sauce
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- 2 tsp ground mustard
- 2 tsp paprika
- ¼ – ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 – 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Place the country style ribs into the slow cooker. Add the ground mustard, cayenne pepper, paprika, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss the ribs to evenly coat them with the seasoning, pressing the spices gently into the meat for maximum flavor absorption. Then, pour the BBQ sauce over the ribs until they are well covered.
- Slow Cook the Ribs: Cook the ribs on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This slow and low heat allows the meat to become tender and easily fall apart with a fork. If you are short on time, you can cook them on high for 4 to 6 hours, though the ribs will not be as tender.
- Optional Broiling Step: Once cooked, transfer the ribs to a serving dish and cover them with the extra BBQ sauce from the slow cooker. For a delicious caramelized finish, place the ribs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and lightly chars. Allow the ribs to rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute.
Notes
- Bone-in or boneless country style ribs both work well with this recipe; cooking times remain the same.
- If you like your ribs spicy, use the higher amount of cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of chili powder.
- Broiling is optional but adds great texture and enhances the BBQ flavor with a slight char.
- Ensure you do not overcook on high heat to avoid tougher meat; low and slow is best for tenderness.
- Leftover ribs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
Keywords: BBQ ribs, slow cooker ribs, country style ribs, barbecue, slow cooked meat, easy ribs recipe
