These Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Ribs are some of the best homemade ribs I've ever had! I love the classic bone-in ribs, but these boneless ones are just as amazing. They cook in the crockpot all day in a delectable BBQ sauce with plenty of spices and other ingredients to create perfectly balanced flavors.
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This recipe would make a lovely and easy Sunday dinner. Pair them with your favorite side dishes, and you have a filling and comforting meal the whole family will go crazy for. I promise these slow cooker boneless ribs will impress anyone you share them with.
If you like easy rib recipes, you will love these perfectly tender Sous Vide Ribs and my Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It's only 5 ingredients plus spices: The only thing better than easy slow cooker recipes is when they require few ingredients. You need a few basic spices as well, but they are common ones that most people keep stocked in their pantry.
- It's quick to throw together: Besides a quick sear on the pork, all of the ingredients go directly into the crockpot, and then you can set it and forget it!
- It's budget-friendly: This recipe is perfect for a tight budget or if you have a lot of people to feed. The components are very cost-efficient.
Ingredients
Below are the components needed to make this boneless pork ribs recipe. All you need is the pork, some seasonings, and other ingredients to balance the sauce to ensure it is perfectly sweet, smoky, and delish!
- Pork ribs: Any type of pork ribs without bones would be great for this recipe. I love the meaty texture of boneless country-style ribs.
- Spices: I use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. They add the perfect amount of savory flavor without overpowering the natural flavor of the ribs and the BBQ sauce.
- Brown sugar: You may use light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown has stronger molasses notes than light brown.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds a robust, umami flavor to the ribs to balance the sweetness and smokiness.
- Apple cider vinegar: This provides the perfect amount of acidity and brightness to cut through the richness of the pork ribs. It also helps to make the meat perfectly soft and tender.
- BBQ sauce: Feel free to use any brand and variety of BBQ sauce you want. I typically go with an original smoky sauce so it doesn't become overly sweet.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Pineapple teriyaki ribs: Add a can of crushed pineapple and teriyaki sauce in place of the BBQ sauce for a tropical twist.
- Cola ribs: Include about 1 cup of Coca-Cola (or any dark cola brand) for depth and extra sweetness.
- Maple chipotle ribs: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup and the BBQ sauce for chipotle in adobo for a robust, smoky version.
How to Make Boneless Ribs in the Crock Pot
Here are the directions needed to make these slow-cooked boneless pork ribs. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the meat doesn't stick to the bottom.
Step 1: Season the ribs. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl. Then, generously sprinkle the mixture all over the pork ribs.
Step 2: Sear them. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the pork for 1-2 minutes per side or until it's perfectly browned on all sides.
Step 3: Add to the crockpot. Place your seared ribs into the bottom of the greased slow cooker.
Step 4: Combine other ingredients. Whisk the brown sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
Step 5: Pour over the ribs and cook. Pour it all over the ribs. Ensure they are covered completely in that rich sauce! Pop that lid on and cook the ribs on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. The pork should be fall-apart tender.
Step 6: Serve. Transfer the pork to a serving platter and spoon additional sauce on top. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Rest the ribs before serving: Remove the boneless spare ribs from the slow cooker and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure they remain perfectly juicy and tender.
- Keep an eye out if you cook them on high: Cooking the crockpot boneless ribs on high may cause them to dry out quickly. Watch them closely to ensure they cook fully but don't overcook.
- Use homemade BBQ sauce: Try this boneless rib recipe with your favorite homemade BBQ sauce instead of store-bought. It can add more layers of flavor to the meat!
If you love these slow cooker ribs, you may also enjoy these Slow Cooker Pork Riblets.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may freeze the leftovers in a Ziploc bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: These are best reheated in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-8 minutes. The microwave will work in a pinch but may make the pork slightly dry.
- Make Ahead: To save even more time, season and sear the boneless ribs up to 24 hours in advance and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish to serve with pork ribs, and this bacon mac and cheese pairs beautifully.
- You can't go wrong with potatoes either and these mashed potato patties are a fun and unique way to prepare them.
- Some other of my faves are spicy creamed corn and collard greens with ham hocks. They are classic and comforting!
- Go all out with this recipe of homemade cornbread to give it more Southern flair!
Recipe FAQs
You may, but I recommend that you don't. It adds color and more flavor, seals in the juices, and toasts the spices. If you skip it, it shouldn't interfere with the cooking time but watch it towards the end.
The ribs naturally let out fat and juices as they cook, and this can thin out the sauce. Feel free to ladle some of it out and add more BBQ sauce to reduce the liquid.
Overcooking the ribs is the most common answer. This can make them dry and tough. Also, if you don't add enough liquid to keep the meat moist, that can result in dry pork.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Pork Recipes
Do you like cooking pork in your slow cooker? Here are some recipes you may also want to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Slow Cooker Boneless Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating it with a light coating of cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the boneless ribs.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Sear the seasoned ribs for 1-2 minutes per side until browned, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, which together the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce. Pour over ribs.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours or until the ribs are tender.
- If desired, remove ribs from the slow cooker and brush on additional sauce.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Store any leftover boneless pork ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Skip the searing step to save time on preparation. Ensure that the ribs are fully cooked at the end of cooking time.
- Allow the ribs about 5-10 minutes to rest after they finish cooking. This will ensure that the ribs are extra tender and moist.
Sandi says
Unbelievable. These slow cooker ribs are phenomenal. I’m still in shock and so was everyone else when I told them. I’ve made these ribs twice now and this recipe is now in my rotation. Thanks again Karin for all of your hard work. Your appreciated 💕
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for your kind words! I try my best. Take care. Karin
Micha says
Still can’t believe these ribs are made in a slow cooker. Are they ever good. Hubby and kid approved. Thank you for another keeper. Keep up the great work.
Karin and Ken says
Glad you and your family enjoyed them! We love them! Enjoy your day. Karin