Craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Welcome to the savory magic of Slow Cooker Country Ribs with Sauerkraut! This set-it-and-forget-it recipe transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly tender, flavorful dish. The pork becomes fall-off-the-bone delicious, while the sauerkraut infuses everything with a tangy, zesty kick. It’s the perfect, low-effort dinner to come home to after a long day—a warm, hearty embrace in a bowl.
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml canola oil
• 1½ pounds / 680 g country-style pork ribs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon / 5 g caraway seeds
• ½ cup / 120 ml chicken broth
• 2 cups / 475 g sauerkraut, drained
Instructions
1. Grease the insert of a medium-sized slow cooker with the canola oil.2. Arrange the country-style ribs in a single layer in the prepared slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle evenly with caraway seeds.3. Pour the chicken broth over the ribs, then spread the drained sauerkraut evenly over the top.4. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 7 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING: 369 CALORIES ★ FAT 24 G (58%) ★ NET CARBS 1 G (1%) ★ PROTEIN 34 G (37%)
Pro Tips
• For a deeper, richer flavor, sear the ribs in a hot skillet with the oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Add a sliced onion and a cored, sliced apple to the slow cooker along with the sauerkraut for a touch of sweetness.
• Serve these savory ribs and sauerkraut over creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of rye bread to soak up the delicious juices.
FAQ
Q: Should I sear the country ribs before slow cooking
A: While not required, searing the ribs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker is a pro tip that creates a deeper, richer flavor for the final dish.
Q: How do I know when the slow cooker country ribs are done
A: The ribs are perfectly cooked when the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender. You should be able to easily shred the meat with a fork after cooking on low for 5 to 7 hours.
Q: What do you serve with country ribs and sauerkraut
A: This savory dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of rye bread, which are perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this pork and sauerkraut recipe
A: Absolutely. For a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy sauerkraut, you can add a sliced onion and a cored, sliced apple to the slow cooker.
