You only need 5 simple ingredients for these incredibly scrumptious Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs! Let the magical slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, effortlessly transforming humble country ribs into a melt-in-your-mouth, tender, and intensely juicy masterpiece. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an absolute game-changer for busy cooks seeking delicious, home-cooked meals.
Effortlessly Delicious: The Ultimate Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer simplicity and profound flavor of these Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a classic comfort food that requires so little effort, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family dinner, hosting friends for a casual get-together, or simply craving something deeply satisfying on a hectic weeknight, these ribs are your answer. With only five core ingredients, you can have these mouthwatering ribs prepped and ready to slow cook in mere minutes. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner, and one bite will confirm why the “Mississippi” style of cooking has captured so many hearts and taste buds.
If you’re already familiar with the irresistible flavors of the Mississippi Pot Roast or the Mississippi Pork Roast, then you know precisely the kind of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy symphony your palate is in for. This rib recipe carries on that glorious tradition, delivering fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a rich, flavorful gravy that is truly heavenly. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its ease but in its ability to consistently produce restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen, all thanks to the power of slow cooking.
Understanding the Magic: What Makes Mississippi Ribs So Special?
The “Mississippi” method of cooking has become a viral sensation for good reason. It combines a handful of seemingly disparate ingredients that, when slow-cooked together, create an astonishingly complex and addictive flavor profile. The secret lies in the interplay of savory au jus, zesty ranch seasoning, a touch of richness from butter, and the distinctive, mild tang of pepperoncinis. This quartet of flavors melts into the meat over hours, tenderizing it to perfection and infusing every fiber with a depth that is hard to achieve with more complicated recipes.
Country style ribs, specifically, are an excellent choice for this cooking method. These aren’t true ribs from the rib cage but rather cuts from the shoulder blade area of the pig, often resembling thick strips of bacon or pork loin. Their generous marbling of fat and muscle makes them incredibly flavorful and ideally suited for long, slow cooking. This process breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in meat that is incredibly moist and pulls apart effortlessly with a fork. Unlike traditional ribs that might require searing or special rubs, country style ribs truly shine with the “set-it-and-forget-it” approach of the slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
We’ve gathered some of the most common questions about making these incredible Mississippi Country Style Ribs, along with our best tips for a flawless culinary experience.
Do I need to add any extra liquid to the slow cooker?
No, and this is truly one of the beauties of this recipe! As the country style ribs cook slowly over several hours, the natural fats within the meat render down, releasing plenty of delicious cooking liquid into the pot. This creates a self-basting environment, keeping the ribs moist and tender, and ultimately forming that luscious, savory gravy that is so essential to the Mississippi flavor profile. Resisting the urge to add water or broth is key to achieving the right consistency and intensity of flavor.
Are these Mississippi Ribs spicy?
The pepperoncini peppers are indeed a key ingredient, but they primarily contribute a wonderful tangy, slightly vinegary flavor rather than intense heat. Most people find the “kick” to be very mild and pleasant, adding a delicious zesty dimension to the savory ribs. However, if you’re a fan of more heat and even bolder flavor, you absolutely can enhance it! Simply add about ¼ cup or more of the liquid from the jar of pepperoncinis directly into the slow cooker along with the peppers. This will amplify the tang and provide a more noticeable spicy note without overpowering the dish.
Can I use bone-in country style ribs instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Both boneless and bone-in country style ribs work beautifully in this recipe. While boneless ribs might be slightly easier to shred and serve, bone-in ribs often impart an even richer flavor to the dish due to the marrow and connective tissue. The cooking time might remain largely the same, but always cook until the meat is “fall-apart tender” regardless of whether it’s boneless or bone-in. Choose whichever type is more readily available or preferred by your family.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Mississippi Country Style Ribs?
These flavorful ribs pair wonderfully with a variety of classic comfort food sides. As you might notice in some of our photos, our personal favorite is creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, savory gravy created in the slow cooker is absolutely divine when spooned over a mound of fluffy potatoes. We particularly love serving them with our Crock Pot Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes for an extra decadent touch. Beyond mashed potatoes, other fantastic options include:
- Egg Noodles: A simple, buttery bed of egg noodles provides another excellent vehicle for soaking up that incredible gravy.
- Rice: White rice or even brown rice can offer a lighter alternative that still complements the rich flavor.
- Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add a touch of freshness and color.
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the ribs beautifully.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern side, cornbread is perfect for sopping up any remaining gravy.
How do you reheat leftover country style ribs?
For the best results, it’s crucial to reheat the ribs with their leftover cooking liquid. This liquid is essential for preventing them from drying out and for maintaining that succulent tenderness. We recommend reheating everything together in the slow cooker on a low setting until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a skillet or a pot on the stovetop over low to medium heat, gently stirring occasionally. The microwave is generally not recommended for reheating these ribs, as it tends to dry them out very quickly, compromising their texture and flavor.
How to store leftover Mississippi Country Style Ribs?
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy these delicious ribs for days to come. Place any cooled leftover ribs and their accompanying gravy into an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for approximately 3 days. For longer storage, these ribs freeze beautifully. Transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags (removing as much air as possible) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods described above.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its minimal ingredient list. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices or hard-to-find items. Just five key components come together to create an unforgettable meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Boneless Country Style Ribs: We typically opt for boneless for ease of serving, but as mentioned, bone-in works just as well. This cut of pork is incredibly versatile and responds exceptionally well to slow cooking, yielding tender, shreddable meat. You can often find this labeled as “pork loin country style ribs” or simply “country style pork ribs” in your local butcher or grocery store. Aim for about 4 pounds to generously serve 6-8 people.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This packet is a powerhouse of savory, umami flavor. It forms the base of the rich gravy that will coat your ribs. If you don’t have au jus mix on hand, or prefer a different flavor profile, a packet of dry onion soup mix is an excellent alternative. For those mindful of sodium intake, look for low-sodium versions of these seasoning packets. You can also make your own homemade onion soup mix for even greater control over ingredients.
- Ranch Seasoning: The distinctive herbaceous and tangy notes of ranch seasoning are fundamental to the Mississippi flavor. You can use a store-bought packet of dried ranch dressing mix, or if you prefer a homemade touch, consider whipping up your own homemade ranch seasoning blend. This gives you control over the freshness and intensity of the herbs.
- Salted Butter: A whole stick (or ½ cup) of salted butter might seem like a lot, but it’s crucial for both flavor and moisture. As it slowly melts and combines with the other ingredients, it creates a rich, velvety gravy and contributes to the overall tender texture of the ribs. If you’re concerned about sodium levels, feel free to use unsalted butter; just be sure to taste the gravy before serving and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, pickled Italian peppers are the unsung heroes of Mississippi recipes. They don’t bring overwhelming heat (unless you add their brine, as discussed above), but instead, they add a bright, briny, and slightly sweet tang that cuts through the richness of the pork and butter. The pickling liquid itself is what gives the dish its signature zing. If pepperoncinis are unavailable, banana peppers make a suitable, though slightly sweeter, substitute. We recommend about 10 whole peppers for a good balance of flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs
Making these ribs is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender, flavorful results every time.
- Prepare the Ribs: Begin by placing about 4 pounds of boneless country style ribs into the bottom of a 6 to 8-quart oval slow cooker. Ensure they fit in a relatively even layer. There’s no need to trim fat unless there are excessively large pieces, as some fat will render down to create flavor and moisture.
- Add Dry Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle one packet of au jus gravy mix followed by one packet of dried ranch seasoning over the top of the ribs. Try to distribute the powders as much as possible across the surface of the meat.
- Top with Butter: Place one stick (½ cup) of salted butter directly on top of the dry seasonings. You can cut it into a few pieces if you like, but a whole stick works just fine as it will melt and spread during cooking.
- Incorporate Pepperoncinis: Scatter about 10 pepperoncini peppers over and around the ribs. At this point, there’s absolutely no need to stir the ingredients. The slow cooker’s gentle heat and steam will ensure that all the flavors meld together beautifully and cook evenly. If you want an extra kick, remember to add some of the pepperoncini liquid now.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 5-7 hours. The goal is “fall-apart tender” meat, which means it should shred easily with a fork. While not strictly necessary, if you are able, try to gently stir the ribs around every couple of hours once they start cooking. This helps to distribute the flavors and ensures even cooking, especially if your slow cooker tends to have hot spots.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the ribs are incredibly tender, serve them immediately. Be sure to generously spoon the rich, savory liquid from the slow cooker over the ribs as a homemade gravy. It’s truly the crowning glory of this dish!
Craving More Mississippi-Inspired Delights?
The “Mississippi” flavor profile is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of proteins and dishes. If you’ve fallen in love with these country style ribs, you’re in for a treat with these other popular recipes that embrace the same winning combination of au jus, ranch, butter, and pepperoncinis. Explore new ways to enjoy this beloved flavor:
- Crock Pot Mississippi Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Mississippi Roast Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Turkey Breast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot BBQ Country Style Ribs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
- Crock Pot Mississippi Kielbasa
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
- The Best Grilled Ribs
- Instant Pot Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs
- 75 Fall Crock Pot Dinners
- Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Crock Pot Herb Pork Loin
Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs
You only need 5 ingredients for these scrumptious Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs! Let the slow cooker do all the work for tender, juicy country ribs!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (13 Reviews)
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless country style ribs
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet dried ranch seasoning
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
- 10 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
Place 4 pounds boneless country style ribs into a 6 to 8-quart oval slow cooker.
Sprinkle 1 packet au jus gravy mix and 1 packet dried ranch seasoning evenly all over the top of the ribs.
Place 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter on top of the seasonings.
Add 10 pepperoncini peppers on top and around the ribs. No need to stir. It will cook evenly.
Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 5-7 hours on high until fall apart tender. Try and stir the ribs around every couple of hours (if you can) once they start cooking.
Serve immediately, and use the liquid as a gravy over the ribs.
Video Tutorial
Recipe Notes & Tips for Success
- Refer to the detailed “Frequently Asked Questions” section above for more comprehensive answers on substitutions, spice levels, and serving suggestions.
- While the rendered fat adds incredible flavor, some prefer to separate it from the liquid before serving. This is entirely a personal preference. You can easily do this by spooning off the excess fat from the top of the gravy after cooking.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with bone-in country ribs for an even richer flavor.
- If you’re out of the au jus packet, a dry onion soup mix works perfectly as a substitute. Similarly, you can prepare your own ranch seasoning blend for a fresher taste and to control ingredients.
- For reheating, always retain the leftover cooking liquid. Reheat in the slow cooker on low or in a covered pot/skillet on the stove to prevent the ribs from drying out. The microwave is not recommended.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 414mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. The nutritional information provided here is an estimate calculated based on the ingredients used and should be considered as such. If specific calorie counts or other nutritional values are crucial for your dietary needs, we highly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Actual values can vary significantly depending on the specific brands, cuts of meat, and exact measurements utilized.
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