Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man’s Ribs
These Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with rich barbecue flavor—all with just four simple ingredients. Made with budget-friendly cuts of pork, they cook low and slow until they’re fall-apart tender and coated in a thick, sweet and smoky sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless pork ribs or pork shoulder (cut into strips)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Place the pork pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer so they cook evenly.
In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork, making sure all pieces are well coated.
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
About halfway through cooking, you can gently stir or spoon the sauce over the meat to keep it coated, though this step is optional.
Once fully cooked, the sauce will have thickened slightly and the pork will be juicy and flavorful.
For a thicker glaze, remove the ribs and simmer the sauce in a saucepan for a few minutes, then pour it back over the meat.
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, rice, or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This recipe is simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying—proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious, comforting meal.
