Slow-Cooked BBQ Country Ribs
Slow-cooked BBQ Country Ribs are tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky flavor. Perfect for an easy dinner, these ribs are finished with a caramelized BBQ crust under the broiler!
These BBQ Country Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky barbecue flavor! Made in the slow cooker, they’re incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal hands-on time. Simply season the ribs, layer them over a bed of sliced onions, and let the slow cooker do the work. A quick finish under the broiler caramelizes the BBQ sauce, adding that perfect smoky-sweet crust. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for an irresistible dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, ensuring tender, juicy ribs that melt in your mouth. The rich barbecue sauce and blend of spices infuse the ribs with classic BBQ flavors, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, finishing the ribs under the broiler adds that delicious caramelized layer without needing a grill!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe adds flavor and enhances the texture of the ribs, creating a perfectly balanced BBQ dish:
Yellow Onion (1, sliced): Adds a natural sweetness and serves as a flavorful base for the ribs to cook on.
Country Ribs (3 lbs): Meaty, tender cuts that are perfect for slow cooking. They absorb the flavors of the spices and BBQ sauce beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the ribs' natural flavor.
Garlic Powder (1 tbsp): Adds a savory, aromatic layer that complements the BBQ sauce.
Onion Powder (1 tbsp): Enhances the onion flavor and adds depth to the seasoning.
Chili Powder (1 tbsp): Adds a mild kick and enhances the smoky flavor.
Thyme (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle earthiness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Oregano (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor to round out the seasoning mix.
BBQ Sauce (1 cup, divided): Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy glaze. It adds flavor during cooking and caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
How to Make BBQ Country Ribs
Ingredients
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 lbs country ribs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
Prep the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
Season the Ribs: Place the country ribs on top of the onions. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, and oregano. You can mix the spices in a bowl beforehand for even distribution or sprinkle them directly.
Add BBQ Sauce: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs, spreading it evenly.
Cook the Ribs: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easy to pull apart.
Finish Under the Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
Broil: Place the ribs under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
Serve: Serve warm with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal!
Tips for Perfect BBQ Country Ribs
Distribute the Seasoning Evenly: To ensure the ribs are evenly seasoned, mix all the spices in a bowl first before sprinkling them over the ribs.
Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce you love because it will play a big role in the final flavor.
Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the ribs under the broiler to avoid burning. The goal is a quick caramelization, not a charred crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with other types of ribs?
Yes, pork spare ribs or baby back ribs also work well, though you may need to adjust cooking times depending on the thickness of the ribs.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra BBQ sauce if needed.
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce is a great option if you prefer to control the sweetness and spice level.
Slow-Cooked BBQ Country Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 lbs country ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the Ribs: Place the country ribs on top of the onions. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, and oregano. You can mix the spices in a bowl beforehand for even distribution or sprinkle them directly.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the ribs, spreading it evenly.
- Cook the Ribs: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ribs are tender and easy to pull apart.
- Finish Under the Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce.
- Broil: Place the ribs under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
- Serve: Serve warm with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal!
Notes
Tips for Perfect BBQ Country Ribs
- Distribute the Seasoning Evenly: To ensure the ribs are evenly seasoned, mix all the spices in a bowl first before sprinkling them over the ribs.
- Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce you love because it will play a big role in the final flavor.
- Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the ribs under the broiler to avoid burning. The goal is a quick caramelization, not a charred crust.
Did you enjoy this BBQ Country Ribs recipe? Share a plate with family or friends and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media. Enjoy!
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