A Family Favorite Budget-Friendly Freezer Meal Packed With Those Delicious Mississippi Style Flavors!
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!
Some recipes are so good they deserve more than one version, and this is one of them. My Instant Pot Budget Freezer Meal Mississippi Style Country Ribs quickly became a favourite, so it only felt right to share a slow cooker version too.
Same cosy Mississippi flavours, same budget friendly cut of meat, just a gentler low and slow method.
Boneless country style pork ribs were totally new to me when I moved to the States. They are not really ribs at all, but a meaty cut from the shoulder that cooks up beautifully when treated with a bit of patience.
They stay moist, turn fork tender, and soak up flavour in a way that makes them taste far more expensive than they are. For a busy family on a budget, that is exactly the kind of cut I reach for.
Mississippi style flavours might not be the first thing you picture for ribs, but they work so well here. The pepperoncini bring a tangy, bright heat that cuts through the richness and makes the sauce unforgettable.
In the slow cooker, everything has hours to mingle, so you end up with meat that practically falls apart and a gravy people want to pour over everything on their plate.
And of course, building this as a freezer meal means future you already has dinner handled. On days when work, kids, appointments, or base life feel like too much, pulling a labelled bag from the freezer instead of scrolling for takeaway makes such a difference.
Every freezer meal we prep at home is one more step away from drive thru and one more tick in the win column for us as we’re currently on baby step 2 of our debt free journey!
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.
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
You can use a traditional slow cooker for this recipe or the slow cooker function on your Instant Pot.
I use the Instant Pot Pro in my own kitchen because it saves space and lets me switch from sauté to slow cook in the same pot.
If you have been ignoring that slow cook button on the front of your Instant Pot, consider this your nudge to try it!
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 come into the kitchen with me and build a freezer stash of these Mississippi Style Country Ribs that will make busy nights feel so much easier!
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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Equipment
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot with slow cooker function
- Freezer safe food bag (large slider bag works best)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
- Oven mitts
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Ingredients for the Freezer Meal
Serves 4
Add to a freezer bag:
- 2 lbs boneless country style pork ribs
- ½ cup water
- 2 beef stock cubes
- 4 to 8 whole pepperoncini peppers, adjust to your preference
- ½ cup pepperoncini juice (from the same jar)
- 3 tbsp (or 1 oz packet) ranch seasoning mix
- 3 tbsp (or 1 oz packet) brown gravy mix
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional ingredients on day of cooking:
- ¼ to ½ cup water (depending if cooking from thawed or frozen, see cooking instructions)
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch plus a splash of water) or
- 1 to 2 tbsp Bisto beef gravy granules
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Freezer Meal Prep Day
Step 1: Add the boneless country style ribs to a large freezer safe bag.
Step 2: In to your freezer bag add the ribs, ½ cup of water, beef stock cubes, ranch mix, brown gravy mix, pepperoncini juice, and salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add the whole pepperoncini peppers and the butter pieces on top.
Step 4: Press out as much air as you can, seal the bag, and move everything around gently so the ribs are coated.
Step 5: Label the bag with the recipe name and basic cooking instructions. Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker Instructions
For the best texture, I like to thaw the freezer bag in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Step 1: Thaw the bag in the fridge overnight on a plate or tray.
Step 2: Spray your slow cooker lightly with non stick spray. Empty the contents of the bag into the slow cooker, scraping out every bit of sauce and butter. Stir in an additional ¼ cup water.
Step 3: Place the lid on and cook on:
- If using traditional slow cooker: LOW for 8 to 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 9 to 10 hours, since that setting runs cooler than many standard slow cookers.
Step 4: Once the ribs are done, carefully lift the meat and peppers out with tongs and place them on a serving dish. They may look a little rustic, but they will smell incredible.
Step 5: Set the slow cooker to HIGH, or use the sauté function if you are using the Instant Pot insert.
Once the cooking liquid starts to bubble, whisk in a cornstarch slurry or sprinkle in Bisto granules, stirring until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then pour the gravy over the ribs. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans, rice, or your favourite simple sides.
How to Cook from Frozen in the Slow Cooker
You can also cook the ribs straight from frozen if you forget to thaw the bag the night before.
Step 1: Run the sealed freezer bag briefly under cool water to loosen it from the plastic.
Step 2: Tip the frozen block into your slow cooker. Add an extra ½ cup water around the sides.
Step 3: Place the lid on and cook on:
- If using traditional slow cooker: LOW for 9–10 hours, or until the ribs are fork tender.
- If using the Instant Pot Pro slow cooker function: set it to HIGH for 10 to 12 hours.
Step 4: Continue with the same finishing steps as above to thicken the gravy and serve.
NEED THIS IN A HURRY?!
Why not check out our Instant Pot version of this recipe HERE!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- The pepperoncini bring more tang than heat. Use fewer peppers if your family prefers milder flavours.
- Country style ribs vary in size. If yours are very thick, lean toward the longer cook time.
- Bisto is my British go to for gravy. If you cannot find it easily, cornstarch works just as well.
Troubleshooting
Ribs feel a bit tough: they simply need longer on LOW. Give them another hour and check again.
Gravy too thin: simmer with the lid off for a few minutes, or add a little more cornstarch slurry.
Gravy too thick: stir in a splash of water or broth until it loosens.
Storage Notes
- Leftover cooked ribs keep for 3–4 days in the fridge in a covered container with plenty of gravy.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with an extra spoonful of sauce to keep them moist.
- Freeze cooked ribs in their gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
FAQ
Can I use bone in country style ribs instead?
Yes. They work very well. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if they are large pieces.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker or Instant Pot insert is not filled above the recommended max line. Cooking time might need a small increase.
Can I make this with another cut of pork?
Pork shoulder pieces can work, but boneless country style ribs give the best texture for this particular recipe.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. Use fewer pepperoncini for a milder dish, or add a splash of extra pepperoncini juice for more tang.
Slow Cooker Budget Freezer Meal Mississippi Style Country Ribs Recipe!
November 23, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In to your freezer bag add the ribs, ½ cup of water, beef stock cubes, ranch mix, brown gravy mix, pepperoncini juice, and salt and pepper.
- Add the whole pepperoncini peppers and the butter pieces on top.
- Press out as much air as you can, seal the bag, and move everything around gently so the ribs are coated.
- Label the bag with the recipe name and basic cooking instructions. Freeze flat for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the bag in the fridge overnight on a plate or tray.
- Spray your slow cooker lightly with non stick spray. Empty the contents of the bag into the slow cooker, scraping out every bit of sauce and butter. Stir in an additional ¼ cup water.
- Step 3: Place the lid on and cook as follows:Traditional slow cooker: LOW for 8 to 9 hours, or until the ribs are completely tender and cooked through.Instant Pot Pro SLOW COOKER function: set it to HIGH for 9 to 10 hours, since that setting runs cooler than many standard slow cookers.
- Once the ribs are done, carefully lift the meat and peppers out with tongs and place them on a serving dish. They may look a little rustic, but they will smell incredible!
- Set the slow cooker to HIGH, or use the sauté function if you are using the Instant Pot insert. Once the cooking liquid starts to bubble, whisk in a cornstarch slurry or sprinkle in Bisto granules, stirring until the gravy thickens to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then pour the gravy over the ribs. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans, rice, or your favourite simple sides.
- You can also cook the ribs straight from frozen if you forget to thaw the bag the night before.Just run the sealed freezer bag briefly under cool water to loosen it from the plastic.
- Tip the frozen block into your slow cooker. Add an extra ½ cup water around the sides.
- Place the lid on and cook as follows:Traditional slow cooker: LOW for 9–10 hours, or until the ribs are fork tender.Instant Pot Pro SLOW COOKER function: set it to HIGH for 10 to 12 hours.
- Continue with the same finishing steps as above to thicken the gravy and serve.
Notes
- The pepperoncini bring more tang than heat. Use fewer peppers if your family prefers milder flavours.
- Country style ribs vary in size. If yours are very thick, lean toward the longer cook time.
- Bisto is my British go to for gravy. If you cannot find it easily, cornstarch works just as well.
Storage Notes
- Leftover cooked ribs keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a covered container with plenty of gravy.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with an extra spoonful of sauce to keep them moist.
- Freeze cooked ribs in their gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Related Recipes:
Click here to check out all our other slow cooker recipes!Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This Slow Cooker Budget Freezer Meal Mississippi Style Country Ribs recipe is hearty, thrifty, and full of that cosy Mississippi tang that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
It proves that a budget cut of meat, cooked low and slow, can feel like a splurge, especially when you already did the work on a calmer day and tucked it away in the freezer.
Keep a couple of bags ready to go and you will always be one step ahead of weeknight chaos!
What to Read Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If you tried this slow cooker version and loved it, tap the stars to rate it and share a quick comment below. If it earns a place in your freezer meal rotation, pass it on to a friend who appreciates cosy, budget friendly comfort food as much as you do!
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
