Cody Casey
Country-style ribs are a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal that can be made in a crock pot with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, tenderizing the meat and creating a rich, savory flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a few hours of cooking, you can enjoy mouthwatering ribs that practically melt in your mouth. This easy recipe is perfect for any meal and will be a hit with family and friends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat |
| Temperature | 190-200°F (88-90°C) for ribs that are falling-off-the-bone tender |
| Ingredients | Ribs, broth, potatoes, carrots, onion, seasoning salt blend, oil |
| Optional Ingredients | Apple cider, apple juice, beer, cola |
| Serving Suggestions | Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Microwave, oven, air fryer, or slow cooker |
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What You'll Learn
Prep and cook time
Country-style ribs are a great option for when you want a finger-licking meal without the hassle. They are rib-like cuts of meat with a similar texture and flavor to ribs.
The prep time for country ribs in a crock pot is minimal, taking only about 5 minutes. Start by seasoning the ribs on all sides with a seasoning salt blend or a dry rub. You can also sear the ribs for 2-3 minutes on each side in a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet on high heat before adding them to the crock pot.
Once the ribs are seasoned, add them to the crock pot with some broth, and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions if desired. Pour the remaining broth over the ribs and vegetables, and add any additional seasonings. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, whether they are bone-in or boneless, and the specific model of your crock pot.
The ribs are done when they are fork-tender and easily fall apart. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. Pork ribs are safe to eat at 145°F (63°C), but for fall-off-the-bone tenderness, aim for an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-90°C).
After cooking, remove the ribs from the crock pot and serve with the juices or your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also make a gravy using the crockpot juices. Simply skim the juices to remove any solids or excess fat, transfer them to a saucepan, and whisk in a mixture of water and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
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Choosing the right ribs
Boneless vs Bone-in Ribs:
Country-style ribs can be either boneless or bone-in. Boneless ribs, also known as "country-style pork ribs", offer a similar texture and flavor to traditional ribs without the hassle of bones. They are convenient and easy to work with, making them a popular choice for crockpot recipes. On the other hand, bone-in ribs provide a more authentic rib experience and are preferred by some for their flavor and presentation.
Type of Meat:
Country-style ribs can be made from different types of meat, such as pork or beef. Pork ribs are commonly used in crockpot recipes and are known for their tenderness and flavor. Beef country ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the chuck area near the shoulder, providing a flavorful cut that benefits from low and slow cooking. Consider your preference for meat type and availability when making your selection.
Marbling and Fat Content:
When choosing ribs, look for cuts with a good amount of marbling and fat. Marbling refers to the thin flecks of fat within the muscle of the meat. The more marbling and fat in the ribs, the more tender and juicy they will be after slow cooking. Ribs from the shoulder or butt are ideal as they tend to have the most marbling. However, keep in mind that some cuts may still be leaner than others.
Weight and Size:
The weight and size of the ribs will impact your cooking time and yield. Smaller or thinner ribs may cook faster, while larger or thicker ribs may require a longer cooking time to ensure tenderness. Consider the size of your crockpot and the number of servings you need when selecting your ribs.
Freshness and Quality:
Always opt for fresh, high-quality ribs from a reputable source. Look for ribs with a bright color and firm texture, avoiding any with excessive moisture or discoloration. Fresh ribs will have a longer shelf life and are more likely to produce desirable results.
Bone-in Ribs vs. Boneless Ribs:
As mentioned earlier, country-style ribs can be either bone-in or boneless. Bone-in ribs provide a more traditional experience, and the bones can add flavor to the dish. However, boneless ribs are more convenient and easier to eat, making them a popular choice for crockpot recipes. Consider your preference and the ease of serving when making your decision.
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Using a spice rub
Start by patting the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the spice rub to adhere better to the surface of the ribs. Next, generously sprinkle the spice rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Use your fingers to gently rub the spices into the meat, massaging them into the surface.
Let the ribs sit for a while after applying the rub. This will allow the spices to permeate the meat, enhancing the flavour. You can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or even refrigerate them overnight for a more intense flavour.
Once the ribs have rested and absorbed the flavours of the spice rub, you can place them in the crock pot. If desired, you can sear the ribs in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side before adding them to the crock pot. This will add a nice crust and extra depth of flavour to the dish.
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Adding vegetables
Country-style ribs are a great option for a hearty meal and can be cooked in a crockpot with vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding vegetables when preparing country ribs in a crockpot:
Preparing the Vegetables
First, gather your vegetables of choice. Common options include potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. You can also add other vegetables such as green beans, corn, or even roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower. Cut the vegetables into desired sizes, keeping in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster.
Cooking the Vegetables
In an 8-quart crockpot, start by adding half of your chosen broth or liquid. You can use chicken broth, or a combination of apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke for added flavour. Place the prepared vegetables on top of the liquid. If using potatoes, carrots, and onions, you can layer them together.
Seasoning the Vegetables
Season the vegetables with a blend of salt and pepper, or a specific seasoning salt blend. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for extra flavour. The seasoning will help enhance the taste of the vegetables and create a more complex dish.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 8-9 hours. This extended cooking time is ideal for breaking down the tough connective tissues in the ribs, making them tender and juicy. The vegetables will also benefit from the slow cooking process, absorbing the flavours of the broth and seasonings.
Optional Gravy
If you'd like to make a gravy to accompany your meal, there's an additional step you can take. After removing the meat and vegetables from the crockpot, skim the juices to remove any solids or excess fat. Transfer the juices to a small saucepan and whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until you have a delicious gravy to pour over your country ribs and vegetables.
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Reheating and storing
Leftover country ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To extend their shelf life, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Before freezing, allow the ribs to cool completely and store them in an airtight container, preferably with some of the sauce and juices.
When reheating, you can use a microwave, oven, air fryer, or slow cooker. If using an oven, place the ribs in a shallow baking dish with a little leftover cooking liquid and cover with foil. Reheat at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. Using an oven is recommended as it keeps the ribs from drying out. You can also reheat the ribs in their own sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until they are bubbling and warmed through.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook country ribs for 6 to 8 hours on a low heat setting or 3 to 4 hours on a high heat setting.
Pork ribs are safe to eat at 145°F (63°C). For fall-off-the-bone ribs, you could aim for an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-90°C).
Country ribs go well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, and gravy made from the juices.
Country-style ribs do not need to be completely covered in liquid during cooking. However, some liquid is necessary to provide moisture. You can add up to one cup of apple cider, apple juice, beer, or cola.
