Simple Budget Cut of Meat That Tastes Amazing and Family-Friendly!
Affordable Comfort Food You Can Make Ahead and Forget About Until Dinner
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
One of the cuts of meat that was completely new to me when I moved to the States was the country style rib, and now it’s one of my favorite affordable options.
This tasty cut actually comes from the shoulder area of the pig, not the ribs themselves, which makes it meatier and perfect for slow cooking. It’s a great budget-friendly choice for families because it stays tender and flavorful without much effort at all.
On its own, country style ribs have a mild flavor that’s just waiting to soak up something delicious. And that’s exactly what happens in this recipe.
The real magic comes from the liquid smoke. Just a small spoonful turns this simple mix of pantry staples into something that tastes like you spent all day tending a smoker. It gives the sauce that deep, rich, slightly caramelized flavor that makes everyone think you worked much harder than you did!
Using these cheaper cuts of meat and prepping freezer meals ahead of time has made such a difference for us. It means we can get dinner on the table each night without stretching our budget or resorting to takeout.
If we’re really short on time or just sticking close to our grocery plan, there’s nothing wrong with serving these ribs with instant mashed potatoes and a can of green beans. It’s simple, it’s hearty, and it works. You don’t need an elaborate meal plan, you just need food your family will actually eat and enjoy!
This smoky brown sugar version has become one of our absolute favorites. The ribs turn out tender and rich, the sauce clings beautifully, and that hint of liquid smoke makes it taste like proper barbecue comfort food. It’s proof that even on a tight budget, you can still enjoy big, cozy flavors at home.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So let’s get to it . . .
Why You Should Give Your Instant Pot Slow Cooker Function a Try!
If you’ve never tried using your Instant Pot’s slow cooker function, take this as your friendly nudge. It’s such a game changer!
Not only does it keep the counter from being cluttered with extra gadgets, but if you’re using an Instant Pot Pro like I do, you can switch straight from sautéing to slow cooking in the same pan. Total time saver.
It’s been one of my favorite ways to speed up mealtimes while keeping things low-cost, cozy, and family friendly with almost no effort! Give it a whirl with this recipe today! Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
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Other Equipment
- Freezer-safe food bag
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
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Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 to 3 lbs country style ribs, trimmed of any excess fat
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- ½ cup water, divided
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Freezer Meal Prep
To make the freezer meal, start by trimming your ribs and placing them into a large freezer-safe food bag.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic salt, seasoned salt, liquid smoke, and ¼ cup of the water. Pour this sauce mixture into the bag over the ribs, seal tightly, and gently move it around so everything is coated well.
Flatten the bag slightly so it freezes flat. It’ll thaw faster and take up less space in the freezer.
Make sure to write the recipe name and cooking instructions on the bag before freezing. (Ask me how I know this one!) This freezer meal will last up to 3 months.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: When you’re ready to cook, remove the freezer bag from the freezer. You can cook these ribs straight from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge if you prefer.
If cooking from frozen, run the bag under cool water for a minute or two to loosen it from the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to get out!
Step 2: Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Empty the contents of the bag (ribs and sauce) into the slow cooker, scraping every bit of that smoky brown sugar mixture out of the bag.
Pour in the remaining ¼ cup of water to help the sauce cook evenly.
Step 3: Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or until the ribs are completely tender and cooked through.
If using the Instant Pot Pro slow cooker function, set it to HIGH for 10–12 hours, since the Instant Pot’s slow cook setting runs a little cooler than a traditional crockpot.
Step 4: Once the ribs are done, they should be fork-tender and coated in that gorgeous thick sauce. You can serve them as they are, or use tongs to transfer them to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top for extra flavor.
That final quick broil makes them taste like proper barbecue, sticky, smoky, and sweet!
Step 5: Serve hot with your favorite easy sides. We love pairing these with mashed potatoes and green beans when we’re on a tight schedule, or coleslaw and cornbread when there’s a little extra time.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
Don’t skip the liquid smoke – it’s what gives the ribs that backyard barbecue flavor without the smoker.
If you like your sauce a bit tangier, add a splash more vinegar next time. If you prefer sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
Troubleshooting:
If your sauce turns out too thin, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to help it thicken.
If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth right before serving.
Storage
Leftover ribs can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave with a spoonful of sauce to keep them moist.
You can also freeze cooked ribs. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer bags with the sauce for up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting classic combo
- Cornbread and coleslaw for a Southern-style meal
- Over buttered rice or noodles to stretch the sauce even further
- Add a sprinkle of parsley or a drizzle of BBQ sauce before serving if you want to dress it up a bit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. It uses a budget-friendly cut of meat, a few simple pantry staples, and turns it into something that tastes like you’ve spent all day barbecuing.
It’s freezer-friendly, family-approved, and full of flavor that gets better the longer it cooks. Plus, the smell that fills the house all day is incredible, warm, smoky, and sweet!
Once you try it, it’ll become one of those go-to meals you always keep in your freezer rotation.
Easy Freezer Meal Slow Cooker Smoky Brown Sugar Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe!
October 10, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- To make the freezer meal, start by trimming your ribs and placing them into a large freezer-safe food bag.In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic salt, seasoned salt, liquid smoke, and ¼ cup of the water. Pour this sauce mixture into the bag over the ribs, seal tightly, and gently move it around so everything is coated well.Flatten the bag slightly so it freezes flat. It’ll thaw faster and take up less space in the freezer.TIP: Make sure to write the recipe name and cooking instructions on the bag before freezing. This freezer meal will last up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to cook, remove the freezer bag from the freezer. You can cook these ribs straight from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge if you prefer.TIP: If cooking from frozen, run the bag under cool water for a minute or two to loosen it from the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to get out!
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Empty the contents of the bag (ribs and sauce) into the slow cooker, scraping every bit of that smoky brown sugar mixture out of the bag.Pour in the remaining ¼ cup of water to help the sauce cook evenly.
- Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or until the ribs are completely tender and cooked through.TIP: If using the Instant Pot Pro slow cooker function, set it to HIGH for 10–12 hours, since the Instant Pot’s slow cook setting runs a little cooler than a traditional crockpot.
- Once the ribs are done, they should be fork-tender and coated in that gorgeous thick sauce. You can serve them as they are, or use tongs to transfer them to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top for extra flavor.That final quick broil makes them taste like proper barbecue, sticky, smoky, and sweet!
Notes
Storage
- Leftover ribs can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave with a spoonful of sauce to keep them moist.
- You can also freeze cooked ribs. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer bags with the sauce for up to 2 months.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in country style ribs?
Yes! They work just as well. Just add about 30 minutes of extra cooking time if they’re large pieces.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. If your slow cooker can handle the space, double everything. You might just need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this with chicken or pork chops instead?
You can, though the flavor profile shines best with country style ribs. For boneless pork chops, reduce the cooking time by a couple of hours.
The Takeaway
These Slow Cooker Smoky Brown Sugar Country Style Ribs are the perfect example of how comfort food doesn’t need to cost much or take all day.
With a few minutes of prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can have a cozy, home-cooked meal that tastes like you spent hours tending a smoker, all while sticking to your grocery budget!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
Tried these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs? Tap the stars to rate it and share this recipe with a friend who loves cozy, budget-friendly comfort food as much as you do!
Would you like me to create an Instant Pot version of this recipe too? Let me know in the comments and it might become our next freezer meal!
Last update on 2026-02-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
