Slow cooker country-style pork ribs are the kind of easy supper that saves a busy day and still feels like a real comfort-food meal. Using just four simple ingredients, the ribs cook low and slow until they turn tender, juicy, and full of rich flavor with hardly any hands-on work. This is a wonderful recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or weekends when you want something hearty without standing over the stove.
These ribs are especially good served with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or a scoop of creamy coleslaw to balance the rich sauce. For a full family-style meal, add green beans, corn, or roasted carrots on the side, and keep some extra sauce from the slow cooker for spooning over everything on the plate.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Bone-In Country-Style Pork Ribs
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 to 3 1/2 pounds raw bone-in country-style pork ribs
1 bottle (18 ounces) barbecue sauce
1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup apple juice
Directions
1. Place the raw bone-in country-style pork ribs in the bottom of a slow cooker in an even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, dry onion soup mix, and apple juice until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, turning the ribs if needed so they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the ribs are very tender and cooked through.
5. Carefully transfer the ribs to a serving platter, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter sauce: Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey into the sauce mixture if your family likes a sweeter barbecue flavor.
For a tangier finish: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a little Dijon mustard to the sauce to brighten up the richness of the pork.
For picky eaters: Choose a mild, kid-friendly barbecue sauce and serve the ribs with extra sauce on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they like.
For easier cleanup: Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray before adding the ribs. It makes washing up much simpler after the sauce has cooked down.
To thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce for serving, remove the cooked ribs and pour the liquid into a saucepan. Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until reduced to your liking.