Ribs

Country Style Ribs

Name: Country Style Ribs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork ribs; 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Amara Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Ribs

Prep30 min

Cook120 min

Total150 min

Serves4

There's something special about a warm, comforting meal that's perfect for any day of the week. Country style ribs, with their tender, fall-off-the-bone texture and rich, smoky flavor, are one of my favorite comfort foods. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make delicious country style ribs with a twist of bacon, from scratch, in your own home kitchen.

I still remember the first time I had country style ribs. It was at a family gathering, and my uncle had spent all morning slow-cooking them to perfection. The smell of smoky pork and bacon filled the air, and the taste was unlike anything I'd ever had before. From that day on, I was hooked.

Country style ribs are a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. They're relatively easy to make, and the end result is well worth the effort. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of pork ribs, bacon, and a few other ingredients to create a dish that's both comforting and delicious.

So, if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your collection, or if you're just looking for a delicious and easy meal to make for your family, then you're in the right place. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know to make smoky country style ribs with bacon, from the ingredients and equipment you'll need, to the steps and techniques involved in making this delicious dish.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves good food and is willing to put in a little effort to make it happen. So, let's get started and make some delicious country style ribs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The combination of smoky bacon and tender pork is absolutely delicious and will become a favorite in your household.
The dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family gathering, and can be made in large quantities to feed a crowd.
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores.
The end result is a dish that's both comforting and delicious, making it perfect for a cold winter's night or a special occasion.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great country style ribs is to cook them low and slow, using a combination of heat and time to break down the connective tissues in the meat and create a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. This is achieved by cooking the ribs in a moderate oven, wrapped in foil, for several hours.

Another important factor is the use of bacon, which adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. By cooking the bacon in a pan before adding the ribs, we can create a crispy, caramelized crust on the meat that's absolutely delicious.

Finally, the sauce we use to finish the dish is also important. A combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices creates a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the bacon and the richness of the pork perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few ingredients, including pork ribs, bacon, and a few spices. The most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the end result. Look for pork ribs that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat, and use a thick-cut bacon that's smoked to perfection.

In addition to the ribs and bacon, you'll also need a few spices and sauces to add flavor to the dish. These include ketchup, brown sugar, and a few spices like paprika and garlic powder. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores, and they're relatively inexpensive.

2 lbs (900g) pork ribsLook for pork ribs that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can use either baby back ribs or spare ribs for this recipe.
6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesUse a thick-cut bacon that's smoked to perfection. This will add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the dish. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
1/4 cup (60g) ketchupKetchup adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality ketchup that's made with real ingredients.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. You can use either sweet or hot smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. You can use either granulated or powdered garlic, depending on your preference.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. You can use either freshly ground or pre-ground black pepper, depending on your preference.
1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceBarbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality barbecue sauce that's made with real ingredients.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the bacon and add flavor to the dish. You can use either extra-virgin or regular olive oil, depending on your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenInstant-read thermometer Cutting boardSharp knifeMeat claws or tongsAluminum foil

How to Make Country Style Ribs

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3
Add the pork ribs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. Add the pork ribs to the skillet and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7
While the ribs are cooking, mix together the ketchup, barbecue sauce, and 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in a small bowl.
8
After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and brush with the ketchup mixture.
9
Return the ribs to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10
Remove the ribs from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
11
Serve the ribs with the crispy bacon and your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or baked beans.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as thick-cut bacon and meaty pork ribs, to make a big difference in the end result.
Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the ribs, as this can prevent them from browning evenly.
Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Experiment with different spice blends and sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.
Consider using a slow cooker to cook the ribs, as this can be a convenient and hands-off way to make the dish.
If you prefer a crisper texture on your ribs, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after cooking.
To add some heat to the dish, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the ribs before serving.
Consider serving the ribs with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up the juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the ribs low and slow, which can result in tough and dry meat.
Not letting the ribs rest before serving, which can cause the meat to be tough and the juices to run out.
Overcrowding the skillet when cooking the ribs, which can prevent them from browning evenly.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as thick-cut bacon and meaty pork ribs, which can result in a less flavorful dish.
Not experimenting with different spice blends and sauces, which can result in a boring and uninteresting flavor profile.
Not considering the internal temperature of the ribs, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of wood chips, such as hickory or apple, to add a smoky flavor to the ribs.
Experiment with different spice blends, such as a dry rub or a sweet and spicy blend, to find your favorite flavor combination.
Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet when cooking the ribs, which can add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Try using a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, such as a Kansas City-style sauce, to add a rich and complex flavor to the ribs.
Consider serving the ribs with a side of coleslaw or baked beans, which can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the dish.
If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the skillet when cooking the ribs.
Try using a slow cooker to cook the ribs, which can be a convenient and hands-off way to make the dish.

What to Serve With Country Style Ribs

Country style ribs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Some popular options include coleslaw, baked beans, and crusty bread. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce or a spicy hot sauce.

One of the best things about country style ribs is that they're perfect for a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group of people, and the ribs are sure to be a hit. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a family gathering, country style ribs are a great option.

ColeslawBaked beansCrusty breadGrilled vegetablesMashed potatoesRoasted sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you're not planning to serve the ribs immediately, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the ribs cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator.

To freeze, let the ribs cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the ribs overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the oven or on the grill.

Reheating the ribs is easy. Simply preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), then place the ribs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover the ribs with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat the ribs on the grill, simply place them on the grill and heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork ribs should I use for this recipe?

You can use either baby back ribs or spare ribs for this recipe. Baby back ribs are leaner and more tender, while spare ribs are meatier and have more fat. Both types of ribs will work well, so it's up to personal preference.

How long do I need to cook the ribs?

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of ribs you're using, as well as your personal preference for tenderness. As a general rule, cook the ribs for 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Can I use a slow cooker to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make this recipe. Simply brown the ribs in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can also cook the ribs on high for 3-4 hours, but the low setting will result in more tender meat.

What type of barbecue sauce should I use?

You can use any type of barbecue sauce you like, but a sweet and tangy sauce works well with the smoky flavor of the ribs. Some popular options include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and Alabama-style barbecue sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the ribs and let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them until you're ready to serve. Reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill before serving.

How do I store leftover ribs?

Let the ribs cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While pork ribs are traditional for this recipe, you can also use beef ribs or lamb ribs if you prefer. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure the meat is tender and cooked to a safe internal temperature.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe?

Some common mistakes to avoid include not cooking the ribs low and slow, not letting the ribs rest before serving, and overcrowding the skillet when cooking the ribs. These mistakes can result in tough and dry meat, so be sure to follow the recipe carefully and take your time when cooking the ribs.

The Full Recipe

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