Slow cooker barbecued country style ribs are hands down the easiest way to make tender, fall apart pork ribs. Minimal effort with maximum flavor!

Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs plated with coleslaw

Why this recipe works

Slow cooker barbecued country style ribs taste like they’re fresh out of the smoker thanks to a little liquid smoke added to the mix, plus they’re incredibly tender just as you’d expect when using a crockpot.

While I’ll always love oven baked country style ribs, I have to say, this is the easiest way of cooking them. Low and slow in the crock. Just set it and forget it, although it’s pretty tough to forget when that aroma hits the nostrils. These bad boys are rubbed down with spices and seasonings, layered over a bed of onions and apples, then smothered in smoky barbecue sauce. They’ll need a quick sear before popping them into the crock to create a nice crust, but anything beyond that, the slow cooker takes care of for you.

Platter of Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

LIQUID SMOKE – Liquid smoke adds a nice hint of smokiness without actually using a smoker. If liquid smoke isn’t an option for you, a good substitute is to replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika. But honestly, it’s not necessary unless you really want that smoked flavor.

ONIONS AND APPLES – These two things act as a “rack” on the bottom of the crock, elevating the ribs off the bottom, but they also infuse a lot of flavor and moisture to the pork.

BARBECUE SAUCE – The brand or style of barbecue sauce you use comes down to personal preference. You can make homemade Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce or purchase a bottle of your favorite sauce from the store. I want to say it doesn’t matter, but it really does when it comes to ribs. You want to use a sauce you enjoy the flavor of, because that’s one of the main flavor components here.

How to Make Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Mix the liquid smoke into the barbecue sauce and set aside.
Layer onion on the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the sliced apples over the onions.
Mix all the rub ingredients together. Rub all over the ribs.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the ribs on all sides. You may have to work in batches. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed.
To the slow cooker, add a layer of ribs (start with any that contain bones) on top of the apples and onions. Cover those ribs with about 1/3 cup of the barbecue sauce mixture, brushing on to cover the meat.
Layer remaining ribs on top of the first layer and pour on the rest of the barbecue sauce. Use a brush to ensure all ribs are covered.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

What are country style ribs?

Country style pork ribs aren’t technically ribs, but rather a cut of pork similar to rib chops or pork shoulder. They’re better value compared to regular ribs, offering a substantial amount more meat on the bone.

How do you store leftovers?

Store any cooled leftover crockpot country style ribs in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the ribs in a baking dish basted with extra barbecue sauce. Cover with foil and reheat in a 300F oven for around 20-25 minutes.

Can you make them in the oven?

Sure, if you’d like to make them in the oven, hop over to my country style ribs recipe for more information.

Shredded Slow Cooker Barbecued Country Style Ribs on a plate

Serving Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker barbecued country style ribs with corn on the cob, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad. It’s comfort food’s finest!

More Ribs Recipes

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This post originally appeared here on Jan 3, 2013 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.