Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Ribs
Looking for a stress-free meal that’s tender and full of flavor? These slow cooker boneless pork ribs are the answer. With just a few minutes of prep, you and your family will be enjoying country style ribs that are slow-cooked to perfection, delivering melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time you take a bite.
Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes or rice, these ribs are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make but tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
Want more slow cooker recipes? Check out some of our favorites such as Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes, Easy CrockPot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs, CrockPot Taco Spaghetti, Crockpot Cube Steak.
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What makes this recipe so great
What are boneless pork ribs
Boneless pork ribs are a budget-friendly cut of meat that are not part of the ribs, funny enough.
They are cut from the shoulder and are higher in fat, which makes them ideal for slow cooking. They’re tender and have a similar flavor and texture to ribs, which is why they’re called “boneless pork ribs”.
Another term used for boneless pork ribs is country-style pork ribs, so if you can’t find it in the grocery store, look for either name.
You can also ask your butcher if they can cut up thick slices from the shoulder if they have none in stock.
Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Ribs
Ingredients for Boneless Pork Ribs
Make it Gluten Free
Depending on the BBQ sauce used, these CrockPot pork ribs are gluten-free. Check the label for any BROW ingredients (barley, rye, oats, wheat). Oats need to state gluten-free on the label to be gluten-free (unless the front of the bottle mentions they’re gluten-free).
Kitchen Tools Needed
The best part of this CrockPot boneless pork ribs recipe is the ease of using a slow cooker! They turn out perfect every time.
- Slow Cooker. You will want a 6 quart at minimum for this recipe. If you don’t have one yet, we have linked an affordable one.
- Large skillet for searing.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container. These are our favorites.
How to Make Boneless Pork Ribs in the Slow Cooker
In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. While the pan is heating, season both sides of the ribs.
Tip: If you have a smaller pan, sear the ribs in batches. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the ribs until lightly browned on both sides. Transfer the seared ribs to the slow cooker.
In a smaller saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion, sautéing until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and white vinegar to the saucepan. Stir until fully mixed, then pour the sauce over the ribs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (recommended for the most tender and flavorful ribs) or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of at least 145°F).
Even if the ribs are up to temperature, stick a fork through them and see if they fall apart easily. If they do, then they’re tender and ready.
Once done, chop the ribs into bite-sized pieces. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, drizzling with the sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Side Dishes to Pair with Your Ribs
If you need side dish ideas for any of your boneless pork ribs recipes, give these a try:
- Mashed potatoes. A classic for good reason. The potatoes soak up the sauce and are an affordable and hearty side dish for the dinner table.
- Rice. Whether you use plain, white rice or flavored garlic rice, this pairs well with the sweet rib sauce that you can mix together on your plate.
- Roasted vegetables. Carrots, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes – they’re all a delicious option when roasted. Lay on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a simple side.
- Cornbread. Sweet, buttery cornbread adds a slightly sweet, crumbly texture to your meal. It’s ideal for soaking up the delicious pork juices and sauce.
- Corn on the cob. Whether you like it plain with butter or dressed up with seasonings and parmesan, corn on the cob is a great side for boneless pork ribs.
- Macaroni and cheese. Don’t feel like rice or potatoes? Give our CrockPot Mac and Cheese a try.
- Beans. Whether they’re green beans or baked beans. Beans are a go-to side for your slow cooker country style boneless pork ribs.
Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 ½ – 3 pounds boneless country style pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 28 ounce tomato sauce
- 28 ounce diced tomatoes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Spray a 6-quart or bigger slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In a large pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat over medium heat. Season the top of the ribs with salt and pepper. Add ribs to the pan and sear until lightly browned on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Add meat to the slow cooker.2 ½ – 3 pounds boneless country style pork ribs, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, Salt, Pepper
- Using a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add bell pepper and onion; sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.2 tablespoons butter, 1 green bell pepper, ½ cup yellow onion, 1 teaspoon garlic
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and white vinegar. Mix until well combined. Pour sauce over ribs.28 ounce tomato sauce, 28 ounce diced tomatoes, 1 cup barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (recommended) or high for 3-4 hours, meat should be tender when done. Be sure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F before serving.
- Chop the ribs into small pieces, then serve over mashed potatoes or rice. Smother with the tomato sauce from the crockpot and add freshly chopped parsleyChopped parsley for garnish