This recipe requires only a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Ribs

Remove the country-style pork ribs from their packaging.

Place them on a clean cutting board or tray.

Trim away any unusually large pieces of excess fat.

Leave some marbling because it helps keep the meat juicy during slow cooking.

If the ribs are especially large, you can cut them into smaller portions for easier serving.

There’s no need to cut them into tiny pieces.

Keeping the ribs relatively large helps them retain moisture during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Use a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker for approximately 3 pounds of country-style ribs.

Make sure the slow cooker is clean and dry.

You can lightly coat the inside with nonstick cooking spray if desired, although this is optional and not necessary for the recipe.

Step 3: Add a Layer of Barbecue Sauce

Pour approximately 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Spread it into an even layer.

This helps coat the bottom of the pot and gives the pork a flavorful base.

Step 4: Arrange the Country-Style Ribs

Place the pork ribs into the slow cooker.

Arrange them in an even layer as much as possible.

It’s fine if some pieces overlap slightly.

Avoid packing the slow cooker too tightly because the heat needs to circulate around the meat.

Step 5: Add the Dry Onion Soup Mix

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the ribs.

Try to distribute it across the meat rather than concentrating it in one area.

The seasoning will gradually dissolve into the barbecue sauce and pork juices.

Step 6: Add the Remaining Barbecue Sauce

Pour the remaining 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the pork.

Use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce over the exposed surfaces.

Make sure the ribs are well coated.

The sauce will become thinner during cooking as it mixes with the natural juices released by the pork.

Step 7: Cover the Slow Cooker

Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.

Make sure it fits properly.

Avoid repeatedly lifting the lid during cooking because doing so releases heat and can increase the cooking time.

Step 8: Cook on LOW or HIGH

Cook the ribs using one of the following settings:

• LOW: Approximately 7–8 hours

• HIGH: Approximately 4–5 hours

These times are guidelines for well-marbled, shoulder-cut country-style ribs.

Actual cooking time depends on the thickness of the meat, the cut, and the slow cooker.

For the most tender, fall-apart results, the LOW setting is generally preferable.

Step 9: Check for Tenderness

Near the end of the cooking time, carefully lift the lid.

Use a fork to test the thickest piece of pork.

The ribs should be tender enough to pull apart easily.

Pork is food-safe at a minimum internal temperature of 145°F with a 3-minute rest, but shoulder-cut country-style ribs typically need to cook much longer and reach a considerably higher internal temperature to become fork-tender.

For shreddable shoulder-cut pork, a temperature around 195–205°F is often a useful guide, although tenderness is the most important test.

If the meat still feels firm, continue cooking and check again after 20–30 minutes.

Step 10: Spoon the Sauce Over the Ribs

Once the pork is tender, carefully spoon some of the cooking sauce over the meat.

This adds moisture and enhances the barbecue flavor.

The sauce may appear thinner than it did before cooking because the pork releases juices.

This is normal.

Step 11: Thicken the Sauce if Desired

If you prefer a thicker barbecue coating, carefully transfer some of the cooking liquid to a saucepan.

Simmer it over medium heat until reduced to your preferred consistency.

You can also brush the cooked ribs with a little fresh barbecue sauce.

If you want a stickier finish, place the cooked ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with additional barbecue sauce, and broil briefly for approximately 2–4 minutes.

Watch carefully because barbecue sauce contains sugar and can burn quickly.

The broiling step is optional and not required for the basic three-ingredient recipe.

Step 12: Serve the Ribs

Carefully transfer the tender ribs to a serving platter.

Spoon some of the barbecue sauce over the top.

Serve hot with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or your favorite side dishes.

For a more casual meal, shred the pork and serve it in sandwich rolls.