BBQ country-style pork ribs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Choose from oven-baked, slow cooker, or grilled methods for a delicious dinner.
A Comfort Food Favorite with Big Flavor
There’s something so tasty about anything BBQ. And these easy country-style pork ribs are so good. They’re hearty, full of flavor, and make the kind of dinner everyone looks forward to.
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I’m sharing my favorite way to make them in the oven. I’m also including two other simple methods you might prefer. All three are easy and delicious.
This post shares three easy ways to prepare boneless country-style pork ribs:
1. Our tried-and-true oven-baked version
2. A hands-off slow cooker method
3. A grilled version that starts in the oven and finishes with that classic BBQ flavor
Each method brings out the best in this budget-friendly cut of meat.
The oven-baked recipe is the one I make most often though I just used the slow cooker method and it turned out great. The slow cooker and stovetop methods are well-tested options shared here for their ease and versatility.
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
Three foolproof methods to fit your cooking style or schedule
Great flavor with minimal ingredients
Perfect when you are hankering for a hearty meal
Lean, boneless pork makes it easy to serve
Easy cleanup and minimal prep
Whether you’re inviting friends over or need a weeknight meal, these ribs are a delicious solution.
What Are Country-Style Pork Ribs?
Despite the name, country-style pork ribs aren’t true ribs. They’re meaty cuts taken from the loin or shoulder, often boneless and shaped more like thick strips. When cooked low and slow, they become tender and full of flavor.
Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Country-Style Pork Ribs
This is my personal go-to method. Slow baking keeps the meat moist and tender, and the final layer of barbecue sauce turns bubbly and caramelized in the oven.
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or ceramic dish with a lid.
Season the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Place the ribs in the dish and pour the water or broth around them, not over them.
Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
Tip: A ceramic dish with a lid works beautifully. Just remember to remove the lid for the final bake so the sauce can thicken and brown.
Bake for 2 to 2¼ hours, until tender.
Remove foil or lid, drain any excess liquid.
Brush generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once halfway through.
For extra caramelization, broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely.
When done, plate and serve with your favorite sides.
Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Country-Style Pork Ribs
Equipment
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 1.75 lbs. boneless country-style pork ribs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder optional
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- ½ to ¾ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or ceramic dish with a lid.
- Season ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Place the ribs in the dish and pour the water or broth around them, not over them.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 2 to 2¼ hours, until tender.
- Remove foil or lid, drain any excess liquid, and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Increase oven temperature to 375°F and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once halfway through.
- For extra caramelization, broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely.
Slow Cooker BBQ Country-Style Ribs
This method is perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does all the work, and the ribs turn out wonderfully tender.
Serves 3–4, depending on portion size and what sides you serve it with. For bigger appetites or if it’s the main focus of the meal, plan on 3 servings.
Ingredients
1.5 to 1.75 lbs boneless pork ribs
1 small onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
½ to ¾ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
Layer the onion and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add the ribs and pour the broth around them.
Spoon BBQ sauce over the top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, until tender.
Optional: Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Grilled BBQ Country-Style Pork Ribs
If you love that smoky flavor and caramelized sauce that only grilling can give, this version is a great way to finish off already-tender ribs. The oven does most of the work, and the grill adds that final layer of flavor.
Ingredients
1.5 to 1.75 lbs. boneless country-style pork ribs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup water or broth
½ to ¾ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish or ceramic dish with a lid.
Add the water or broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 to 2¼ hours, until tender.
Preheat grill to medium-high or high heat (around 425–450°F). Lightly oil the grates if needed.
Transfer ribs to the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side.
Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes on the grill, turning as needed, until the sauce is bubbling and lightly caramelized.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Tip: Since the ribs are already cooked through, the grill time is just to add flavor and texture. Watch closely to avoid burning the sauce.
Tips for Success
Use a baking dish with sides to hold in moisture and prevent splatter
Be sure to tightly cover the dish when using the bake in the oven method, this step makes the ribs tender
For best flavor, broil briefly at the end to caramelize the sauce
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to suit your taste
Storage and Reheating
You probably won’t have leftovers, but if you do, here are a couple of tips:
To store: Let the ribs cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm in a covered skillet with a splash of water or sauce, or place in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
If you’ve never cooked boneless country-style pork ribs before, this is a great place to start. Each method delivers satisfying, tender results. I hope you enjoy whichever version you choose.
SHOP MY KITCHEN
(Things I use often in my kitchen, tools I reach for regularly and truly think are worth having.)
Ceramic Baking Dish with Lid, 7×12 Ceramic Casserole Dish.
Great for Lasagna, Baking, Cooking, Kitchen, Daily Use, Microwave Oven Safe.
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
Turnkey Gourmet Peppercorn Grinder
Easy to use multi purpose pepper grinder can also be used as a salt mill or a spice mill or dried herb grinder.
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill
Air Fryer Toaster Oven with an air fry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and warming feature. Perfect when you don’t want to use your big oven.
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
What to Serve with BBQ Country-Style Pork Ribs…
Easy Homemade Banana Split Ice Cream Cake
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