Root Beer Maple Bourbon Country Pork Ribs: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, choose a high-quality maple bourbon barbecue sauce that you enjoy eating straight from the jar.

If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little root beer or water before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for extra depth.

To make the sauce extra glossy, after removing the ribs, pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat until it reduces and thickens. Brush this glaze over the ribs before serving for a beautiful, sticky finish.

Variations

• Spicy Root Beer Ribs: Add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the slow cooker along with the BBQ sauce. The heat balances the sweetness and adds a smoky kick.
• Honey Garlic Ribs: Substitute the maple bourbon BBQ sauce with 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Omit the root beer and use chicken broth instead for a sweeter, savory glaze.
• Cola BBQ Ribs: Replace the root beer with cola, and use a regular barbecue sauce. The cola adds caramel notes and helps tenderize the meat just like root beer.
• Smoky Chipotle Ribs: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chipotle hot sauce and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke along with the BBQ sauce. This adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet root beer.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked ribs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a covered pot over low heat, adding a little water or root beer to keep the meat moist.

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat can also be shredded and used in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. Let leftovers cool completely, then keep them covered so they stay moist and full of flavor.

This dish can be assembled the night before: place the ribs, onion, root beer, and barbecue sauce in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

These ribs are hearty enough to stand alone, but they also pair beautifully with classic sides.

Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce, or alongside cornbread and a crisp green salad. The sweet-savory glaze also works well with roasted vegetables or a simple slaw.

For a more casual meal, shred the meat and pile it onto soft buns for a pulled pork sandwich.

Add a spoonful of the caramelized onions and a drizzle of extra sauce for a sandwich that’s messy in the best way. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, served cold in a sandwich or reheated gently.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Root Beer Maple Bourbon Country Pork Ribs: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless country-style pork ribs
• 1 1/2 cups root beer
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 cup maple bourbon barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the boneless country-style pork ribs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the diced sweet onion over the ribs. Pour the root beer around and over the meat and onions.
2. Pour the maple bourbon barbecue sauce generously over the ribs and onions. Use a spoon to gently stir everything together, ensuring the ribs are coated with the sauce.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the ribs are fork-tender and easily pull apart. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Once the ribs are cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the ribs rest in the liquid for at least 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.
5. Using a carving fork, lift the ribs out of the slow cooker and place them on a serving plate. Spoon some of the caramelized onions and sauce over the top. Serve hot.

Contains: gluten, milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

30 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.