This slow cooker pork ribs recipe is one of those cozy, set-it-and-forget-it dinners that makes the whole house smell like you’ve been cooking all day, even though you barely lifted a finger. You whisk together one simple cherry cola BBQ-style mixture, pour it right over raw St. Louis–style pork ribs in the slow cooker, and let the low heat do the rest. The cherry cola, ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, garlic, and a touch of liquid smoke melt into the meat, giving you fall-off-the-bone ribs with a sweet, tangy, slightly smoky sauce that feels special but is easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Serve these slow cooker cherry cola ribs with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up all that extra sauce. A simple green side—like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a tossed salad—keeps the plate balanced. Cornbread, dinner rolls, or even garlic bread are great for sopping up the juices. If you’re feeding kids or a crowd, set out a big bowl of coleslaw, some pickles, and maybe a pan of baked beans so everyone can build their own rib plates just the way they like them.
Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pork Ribs
Servings: 4
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds pork St. Louis–style ribs, raw
1 1/2 cups cherry cola (not diet)
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Pat the raw St. Louis–style pork ribs dry with paper towels. If the rack is very large, cut it into 2–3 sections so it fits easily into your slow cooker. Season the ribs lightly on both sides with the salt and black pepper.
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the cherry cola, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and liquid smoke until the sugar is mostly dissolved and everything looks like one smooth mixture.
Place the seasoned raw ribs into the slow cooker, meaty side facing the sides of the crock if possible so they cook evenly. You can stand them up along the edges or lay them flat, whatever fits best.
Slowly pour the entire cherry cola mixture over the raw ribs in the slow cooker, making sure to coat the meat as evenly as you can. Use a spoon to scoop some of the liquid over any exposed spots so everything gets a good bath in the sauce.
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