• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Restless Chipotle

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Start Here
    • Ingredients Substitutions
    • Tips for Measuring Ingredients Accurately
  • About
  • Shop
  • Your Recipe Box
  • Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×

Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes

Crockpot Country Ribs

Published: Nov 17, 2022 Last Updated: Nov 17, 2022 by Marye 1681 words. | About 9 minutes to read this article.

Just 5 ingredients! Almost 0 prep time! Crockpot country ribs cook low and slow all day long to fall apart, butter tender, mouthwatering perfection.
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Closeup of the cooked pork ribs with text overlay for Pinterest.

Don't want to scroll through the page to get to the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on the section you want to go to.

Overhead view of pork ribs in a tangy sauce in the slow cooker.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 🥄 Restless Chipotle recommends
  • 📞 The last word
  • Crockpot Country Ribs
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • Easy recipe with only four main ingredients
  • Addictive, sticky, tangy barbeque sauce cooks right in the crockpot
  • Country style pork ribs are boneless, making it easier for the whole family to enjoy them

Good news! Delicious country ribs aren't just for grilling in the summer months anymore. With this slow cooker country style ribs recipe, you can enjoy fork-tender BBQ ribs any time of the year—why not try 'em for dinner tonight?

🧾 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.

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Image shows the pork being seasoned in the slow cooker.
  1. Lay the ribs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Cover with the seasonings.
Image shows the remaining ingredients being added to the slow cooker.
  1. Pour the sauce on top.
  2. Add half the can of Dr. Pepper.
Closeup of the finished pork ribs.
  1. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
  2. Brush tops of country style ribs with the sauce from crockpot before serving.

🥫 Storage

Crockpot country ribs are not only one of the easiest slow cooker recipes to make, but they're also super simple to store, prep ahead of time, or prepare as a freezer meal!

Make in Advance: Mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate for up to a day. 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!

Storing 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.

Country ribs made in the crock pot are easy to rewarm—simply microwave portions until hot! However, don't overheat them or the meat can dry out.

cropped-country-style-ribs-feat.jpg

📖 Variations

  • 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 rack 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.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: Country ribs made in the crockpot taste best when the flavors are added layer by layer. First, carefully massage 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 slow cooker.

  • 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

What are country-style pork ribs?

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. Unlike bone-in ribs, this cut of meat is great for easier fork-and-knife eating.

Aren't country-style ribs tough?

Not if you cook 'em properly! It's all about the proper slow cooking techinque. 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.

How do you make more tender ribs?

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!

What do you make as a side for crock pot country 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.

Finished ribs on a platter ready to be served.

📚 Related recipes

  • Tender and moist, Crockpot Honey Garlic Pork Chops simmer all day in a sweet sauce that is so good you'll want to spoon out every last drop!
  • Dr Pepper Baked Chicken is a mouth-watering dish, with perfectly tender chicken and a spicy, sticky sauce made from the cravable soda.
  • A nod to your favorite childhood meal, Braised Pork and Red Cabbage slow cooks with apples, bacon, and red wine for a hearty, filling dinner.
  • Meat Lover's Tater Tot Pizza Casserole
  • Best Pineapple Fluff Recipe
  • Loaded Green Bean Casserole
  • Are Heavy Cream & Whipping Cream the Same

🍽️ Serve with...

  • Mom's Potato Salad
  • Dr Pepper Baked Beans
  • Creamed Corn Cornbread
  • Texas Sheet Cake

🥄 Restless Chipotle recommends

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You'll need the following items to make this recipe successfully:

  • slow cooker
  • boneless country style pork ribs
  • Dr Pepper
  • Sweet Baby Rays Brown Sugar Hickory BBQ Sauce)

📞 The last word

Crock pot Dr Pepper 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 - so that's a win all the way around! Perfect for tailgating and those game day 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!

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. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Next time try this easy slow cooker pineapple teriyaki chicken or these honey garlic glazed pork chops!

Overhead view of the finished meat in a slow cooker.
4.57 from 16 votes

Crockpot Country Ribs

Print Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
Prevent your screen from going dark
Just 5 ingredients! Almost 0 prep time! Crockpot country ribs cook low and slow all day long to fall apart, butter tender, mouthwatering perfection.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Servings:6
Calories:486
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 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

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

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

Storage:
Make in Advance: Mix all of the ingredients together and refrigerate for up to a day. 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!
Storing 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.
Tips:
  • 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.
  • Use Coke, root beer, or ginger ale instead of Dr Pepper.
  • 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.
  • These make great sandwiches for game day - just put one in a hoagie roll and add a topping of grilled onions and peppers and/or coleslaw.
  • For even more Dr Pepper flavor use Dr Pepper BBQ sauce.
  • I use New Mexico Chile powder that I got in Santa Fe. It's a specialty product. Chile powder can vary in heat and flavor so be cautious in how much you use.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1268mg | Potassium: 684mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

    We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.

    First published September 23, 2021. Last updated November 17, 2022 for editorial content.

    More Easy Slow Cooker Meals

    • Crockpot Swiss Steak
    • Crock Pot French Onion Soup
    • Crock Pot Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
    • Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lois

      December 01, 2022 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      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! 🤗🤗

      Reply
    2. Fiona Baron

      November 16, 2021 at 12:34 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Marye

        November 16, 2021 at 10:57 am

        You could use chicken breast I imagine.

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




    Primary Sidebar

    Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

    Hey Y'all, I'm Marye.

    NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies.

    More about me →

    🐰 Easter

    • Easy Easter Rolls
    • Nutter Butter Easter Chicks
    • Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
    • Banana Pudding Recipe from Scratch

    👑 Reader Favorites

    • Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe
    • Crispy Fried Potatoes
    • English Muffin Bread Recipe
    • No Fail Amish White Bread

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Marye Audet-White
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

    Featured in:

    Companies that Marye Audet-White and Restless Chipotle have been affiliated with.

    Contact Marye

    • Contact

    My new blog for bread bakers:

    Love baking bread? Click here to check out my new blog!

    Logo for breadcrumbs in the butter blog.
    Check out my new blog!

    Copyright ©2006 - 2023 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC