Are you craving a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone tender meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker boneless country style ribs recipe is your answer. Forget hours spent tending to the grill; this recipe delivers incredible flavor and juicy tenderness with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It's a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner idea the whole family will love. Get ready to experience the best ribs you've ever had, homemade and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless country-style pork ribs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ribs
Pat the boneless country-style ribs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and develop a nice crust.
Step 2: Building Flavor
In the bottom of your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Magic
Place the ribs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce mixture as much as possible. If necessary, you can gently arrange them so they're mostly covered.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are incredibly tender and easily shred with a fork. The longer cooking time on low yields a more intensely flavored and tender result.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker. You can either serve them directly as is, or shred them with two forks for easier eating. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if desired. Serve alongside your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Allow enough space for the ribs to cook evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to customize the spice blend to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or some chili powder for a smoky kick.
- Thicker ribs: For thicker cuts of ribs, you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. Check for tenderness using a fork.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different types of barbecue sauce. Sweet and smoky, tangy and spicy – the possibilities are endless!
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker for some extra heat.
- Applewood Smoked Ribs: For an even smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Ribs: Reduce the amount of brown sugar and add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This slow cooker recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the deliciousness!