Crockpot Pork Ribs
Crockpot Country-Style Boneless Pork Ribs: A Flavorful, Fall-Apart Dinner
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth meal, these Crockpot Country-Style Boneless Pork Ribs are the perfect solution. Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs are juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. Plus, they pair wonderfully with classic sides like mashed baby red potatoes and corn on the cob, making for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients for Crockpot Country-Style Boneless Pork Ribs
To make this delicious meal, you’ll need:
2 packs of country-style boneless pork ribs
1 (18 oz) bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (or your preferred barbecue sauce; feel free to add more to taste)
1 onion, sliced
1 (20 oz) bottle of Dr Pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by placing the boneless pork ribs into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them evenly to ensure that they cook properly.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Seasonings
Peel and slice one onion into thin strips. Sprinkle it over the pork ribs. Next, add garlic powder and black pepper, ensuring that the seasonings are evenly distributed for full flavor coverage.
Step 3: Pour in the Barbecue Sauce and Dr Pepper
Pour an entire 18 oz bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce over the ribs. If you love extra saucy ribs, feel free to add more barbecue sauce to your liking. Then, carefully pour one 20 oz bottle of Dr Pepper over everything. The Dr Pepper not only adds a unique sweetness but also helps tenderize the ribs as they cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to HIGH for 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld while ensuring the pork ribs become incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After 6 hours, use a fork to test the tenderness of the ribs. They should easily fall apart when touched. If they need more time, let them cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the pork ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a serving plate. Spoon some of the delicious barbecue sauce and juices from the crockpot over the ribs for extra moisture and flavor.
Pair your ribs with classic sides like corn on the cob and mashed baby red potatoes for a well-rounded meal. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Effortless Cooking
With minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method, this crockpot recipe is perfect for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.
2. Incredibly Tender and Juicy
Slow cooking allows the pork ribs to soak up all the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, making them irresistibly tender and flavorful.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
These country-style pork ribs store well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal the next day.
4. Customizable Flavor
You can easily adjust the seasonings and swap the BBQ sauce to fit your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious sides that pair wonderfully with these crockpot ribs:
Mashed baby red potatoes – Creamy, buttery, and the perfect complement to saucy ribs.
Corn on the cob – Sweet and juicy corn adds a fresh contrast to the smoky flavors.
Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy slaw balances out the rich BBQ flavors.
Mac and cheese – The ultimate comfort food pairing for barbecue ribs.
Baked beans – A smoky-sweet side that enhances the BBQ essence of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked pork ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven, adding extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?
Yes! If you don’t have Dr Pepper, you can use Coca-Cola, root beer, or even cherry cola for a similar effect.
2. Can I use bone-in country-style ribs?
Absolutely! Bone-in ribs will work just as well, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Can I cook these on LOW instead of HIGH?
Yes, you can cook them on LOW for 8-10 hours instead of HIGH for 6 hours. This will make the ribs even more tender.
4. What if my sauce is too thin?
If you want a thicker sauce, remove the ribs, and turn the crockpot to HIGH. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. How can I make this recipe spicy?
For a spicier version, try adding:
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce
1 chopped jalapeño pepper
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Country-Style Boneless Pork Ribs recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without all the hassle of grilling or smoking. The combination of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, Dr Pepper, and seasonings creates a rich, caramelized flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making this dish for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Try it today and savor every bite of these juicy, fall-apart ribs!