Imagine tender, fall-apart ribs infused with tangy ranch and smoky bacon, slow-cooked to perfection with minimal effort. This Crock Pot Country Ribs with Bacon Ranch recipe is your ticket to an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, these ribs promise to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast that requires almost no hands-on cooking time.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs country-style ribs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better seasoning adherence and browning.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the country-style ribs, massaging the seasoning into the meat to create a flavorful coating.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the seasoned ribs into the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the chicken broth around the ribs, being careful not to wash off the seasoning. The broth will help keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
- Sprinkle the bacon bits over and around the ribs, distributing them evenly to infuse the meat with smoky flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the ribs to slow cook for 8 hours until the meat becomes tender and easily falls apart.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ribs from the crock pot and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: For a crispy exterior, transfer ribs to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzling some of the cooking liquid over the ribs for extra moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Pat the ribs completely dry before seasoning to help the ranch mix adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Don't skip massaging the ranch seasoning into the meat - this helps develop deeper flavor penetration.
- Use fresh bacon bits for maximum smoky flavor, or crisp your own bacon for an even more intense taste.
- If possible, arrange ribs in a single layer to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness.
- Resist the urge to lift the crock pot lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can increase overall cooking time.
- For extra richness, consider using bone broth instead of standard chicken broth.
- The optional broiling step at the end can add a delightful crispy exterior, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
