BBQ Country Style Pork Ribs

Two country style ribs with bbq sauce on a plate with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

5 from 13 votes

These incredibly tender, melt in your mouth BBQ Country Style Ribs take comfort food to a new level! Use your slow cooker or Instant Pot for a dependably delicious result every time.

Prep Time10

Cook Time7

Total Time7 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 388kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

3½ to 4 pounds boneless pork country style ribs
1 large yellow onion cut into 6 chunks
2 cups BBQ Sauce divided
¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon liquid smoke optional but highly recommended

Smoky Pork Spice Rub

1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste

Instructions

Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and if large, cut down into serving size pieces (5 to 6-inches each). Combine the seasoning mix in a small bowl and sprinkle it over the ribs, coating all sides.
Add 1 cup BBQ sauce, soy sauce, water, and liquid smoke to a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Place the onion chunks on the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and place the seasoned ribs on top. Pour the sauce over the top, coating the tops of the ribs.
Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until very tender but not falling apart.
Use tongs to transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with additional BBQ sauce (a nice, thick layer), and broil until nicely browned (no need to flip).

Instant Pot Instructions

Place the onion chunks on the bottom of the Instant Pot insert and place the seasoned ribs on top. Pour the sauce over the top, coating the tops of the ribs.
Cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes and then manually release any remaining pressure.
Finish the ribs under the broiler as detailed in last step of Slow Cooker instructions.

Notes

Total time listed is for the slow cooker method. The total time for the Instant Pot method is approximately 50 to 60 minutes, including the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

Freezer Meal Instructions

Cut and season the ribs and prepare the sauce as directed in the recipe. Transfer the uncooked seasoned ribs to a freezer-safe plastic storage bag and pour the sauce over the top. Remove as much air as possible from the bag, seal, and label it. Transfer the bag to the freezer and use within 4 to 5 months for the best quality.

When you are ready to cook the ribs, allow them to thaw safely in your refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the recipe, as directed for either the slow cooker or Instant Pot method.

Nutrition