It takes just 4 ingredients and a
The Dr Pepper adds just the right amount of sweet while the bbq saue adds just the right amount of heat. Meaty, messy perfection!
I love that I can put the ingredients together ahead of time, freeze, and just thaw and pop in the
Table of Contents
Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.
🗝️ Key takeaways
- I love these sticky, tangy ribs! You just need 4 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) for fall-apart tender meat that cooks right in the crockpot. Easier than fallin' off a log, as my dad would say.
- Perfect for the hottest summer days when it's even too hot to grill, great for tailgating, football Saturdays, and busy weeknights. In other words, anytime.
- Did you know that country-style pork ribs aren't actually ribs at all? Find out more in the FAQs section.
Good news! Delicious country ribs aren't just for grilling in the summer months anymore.
With this
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📖 Variations
- Like them stickier? Remove the finished ribs from the
slow cooker , spoon some of the sauce over them, and put them under the broiler for a few minutes until the sauce gets thick and sticky. Watch carefully so they don't burn! - You can use the flavors in this recipe with any cut of pork that you like! The sauce would be delicious for traditional ribs, a small pork butt, and pork chops, too. Just make sure to temp-check the meat as different cuts might require different lengths of cook time.
- Switch up the recipe by using your favorite BBQ sauce, or make a homemade version.
- Instead of Dr Pepper, you can use Coca-Cola, root beer, or ginger ale.
- For a different flavor, add some garlic powder or onion powder to the dry rub.
- What's a mess of ribs without a touch of smoky flavor? Stir in a little bit of liquid smoke to imitate that straight-off-the-grill taste!
- Some people like to add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead of salt.
- Is dinner time rapidly approaching? You can speed up the process by adjusting the cooking time from 8-10 hours to 4-5 hours on the high setting. However,
slow cooker ribs are the most tender when cooked on the low setting for a longer period of time.
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page. Click on the image to see it full size.
Lay the ribs in the bottom of your
Pour the sauce on top. Add half the can of Dr. Pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
🤫 Cook's secrets -
Batch cooking. I like to double or triple this recipe for the freezer. Divide into meal sized portions. Season the meat and put into a ziploc or vacuum sealer bag. Add the bbq sauce and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months. The night before you're ready to enjoy this dinner just put the bag in the refrigerator to thaw. Next day dump the bag into the
🍴 Equipment
- slow cooker
- measuring cups and spoons
🥫 How to store leftover Dr Pepper ribs
Crockpot country ribs are not only one of the easiest
Make in advance
Mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate for a day or two.
If you leave the Dr Pepper out, you can freeze the seasoned, sauced ribs for up to three months.
Thaw the frozen pork in the refrigerator. Then, put everything in the crock pot (add the Dr Pepper if omitted) and cook!
Leftovers
Crockpot country ribs will keep in the refrigerator for four days, or in the freezer for three months.
To store: Place ribs into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. The best way to prevent freezer burn is to use a vacuum sealer if you have one.
Reheat: Country ribs made in the crock pot are easy to reheat—simply microwave portions until hot! However, don't overheat them or the meat can dry out.
Marye's Tip
Country-style ribs taste best when the flavors are added layer by layer. First, rub the seasonings into the pork. Then, add the sauce. After the meat is cooked, finish them off with more sauce from the bottom of your
💭 Things to know
- The sweet sauce can get a bit sticky, so be sure to use non-stick cooking spray for easy clean-up.
- Boneless pork ribs turn out best when cooked in a single layer, so, if you can, use a crock pot large enough that they aren't too crowded.
- I use a specialty New Mexico Chile powder from Santa Fe. You can use any type of chile powder, but since it varies in heat and flavor, be cautious about how much you use the first time making these ribs!
- For an easy meal on game day, pile the boneless country-style ribs on buns and serve with some chopped onions or coleslaw!
- Use up the rest of a 2-liter soda bottle and make Dr Pepper BBQ sauce or Dr Pepper cherry cake.
👩🍳 FAQs
Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!
Country-style ribs are sometimes labeled at the grocery store as pork shoulder ribs. They aren't actually from the rib cage at all, but come from the shoulder area of the pig, instead. It's actually a sliced up shoulder roast. Unlike bone-in ribs, this cut of meat is great for easier fork-and-knife eating.
Not if you cook 'em properly! It's all about the proper slow-cooking techinque. We call that "low and slow". Boneless country-style pork ribs are tough if they're cooked too quickly and at too high of a temperature. That's why this Crockpot country-style pork ribs recipe has you simmer them all day on low for buttery, falling-apart perfection.
Pork shoulder has a lot of connective tissue that breaks down during the long, slow cooking time. It's important to let the meat cook on low heat, and as slowly as possible. Don't rush it, and don't try to adapt this recipe for a grill. As a result, you'll get the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ country-style ribs!
Country ribs are great with all of your favorite sides, but mashed potatoes, corn, and some green beans would make for a delicious meal! See the full "Serve With" section below for more yummy meal inspiration.
📚 Related recipes
🍽️ Serve with...
Make it a meal with these great recipe ideas.
Mom's potato salad is a classic! Creamy, tangy, and a cool compliment to the ribs.
Cornbread with creamed corn stays moist and delicious - it's the best way to get every bit of the yummy sauce.
Texas sheet cake is a classic. It's fudgy, chocolate goodness that feeds a crowd of people.
Here are even more Texas side dishes to choose from!
🍽️ Repurpose leftovers
- If you end up with leftovers shred 'em and pile in hamburger buns or sandwich rolls with a mound of cole slaw on top!
- Make this easy mac and cheese with pulled pork.
- Try this delicious casserole.
📞 The last word
We are loyal Dr Pepper fans here and I'm pretty sure that once you taste this you'll be a Pepper, too. (anyone remember that commercial?)
Crock pot Dr Pepper country style ribs.... mmmm.... now that's the way to make the house smell delicious on game day or any other day of the week!
This is one of those meals everyone loves. It has the best flavor, and you can toss it together with very little effort.
That's a win all the way around!
Perfect for tailgating and those gameday parties!
It's one of those crock pot recipes that's perfect for those long summer days when you don't feel like cooking, driving, or even ordering delivery!
Trust me - these are the best ribs ever. Be sure to put additional barbecue sauce on the table along with plenty of paper towels - they're messy!
Next time try this easy slow cooker pineapple teriyaki chicken or these honey garlic glazed pork chops!
If you like sweet-saucy bbq try this root beer chicken, too.
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Crockpot Country Ribs
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 4 pounds country style ribs
- 1 ½ cups bbq sauce
- 6 ounces Dr Pepper
- 1 tablespoon chile powder, You may need less!!! I used New Mexico Chile powder ... see tips
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Spray inside of crock with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the country style pork ribs.
- Rub in the salt, pepper, and chile powder.
- Pour on the bbq sauce and the Dr Pepper.
- Set on low and cook for 8 hours.
Notes
- For best results add layers of flavor. Rub the seasonings into the meat, then add the sauces. After the meat is done brush on some of the sauce from the slow cooker before serving
- Always spray the crock with nonstick spray for easy clean up.
- You can cook this for 4 to 6 hours on high if you are in a hurry but they are really better for 8 to 10 hours on low.
- For even more Dr Pepper flavor use Dr Pepper BBQ sauce.
- Chile powder can vary in heat and flavor so be cautious in how much you use.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
First published September 23, 2021. Last updated June 2, 2024 for editorial improvements.
Keep this recipe handy!
Dr Pepper Country Style Ribs
Pin to your favorite Pinterest board to save this recipe for later. You know you're gonna want it!
Lois says
You are a mind reader. There was a great sale today where I grocery shop and I bought very thick cut boneless pork chops. This is how I will make them. Perfect timing.
I thank you so much for your luscious recipes. I truly appreciate them as I was getting very boring in my cooking. You have livened me back up! I know my husband appreciates you! 🤗🤗
Fiona Baron says
I really like it when you give alternate ways of preparing be at instant pot stove top or oven. Even air fryer! Is there an alternative for these country style ribs?
Marye says
You could use chicken breast I imagine.