Easy & Juicy Country Style Ribs in the Instant Pot: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

If you’ve ever craved fall-apart tender ribs but didn’t want to fire up the grill or wait hours for oven roasting, then this Instant Pot Country Style Ribs recipe is your dream come true. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual backyard dinner, this foolproof recipe delivers full flavor with minimal effort and time. Packed with bold spices and finished with your favorite barbecue sauce, these ribs are juicy, tender, and absolutely irresistible.

Let’s dig into what makes this dish an Instant Pot classic — and why you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Country Style Ribs Instant Pot Recipe is designed for busy home cooks who want the flavor of slow-cooked barbecue in a fraction of the time. The combination of a rich, smoky rub and pressure cooking results in ribs that are melt-in-your-mouth tender — all without heating up the kitchen.

It’s perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Game day gatherings

• Low-carb or keto lifestyles (with the right sauce and sweetener)

• Meal preppers looking for hearty protein

Even better? You can easily customize the spice level and sweetness, make it low-sugar, and finish the ribs in the oven for a gorgeous caramelized top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to make this savory, saucy dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 3–4 lbs boneless country-style pork ribs (bone-in works too)

• ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for basting (choose your favorite brand or homemade)

• 1 cup beef or chicken broth (adds moisture and flavor)

Homemade Rib Rub:

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon ground garlic

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 2 tablespoons sea salt

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar, golden monk fruit, or ½ teaspoon stevia (choose your preferred sweetener)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, whisk together all the rub ingredients. You can adjust the cayenne for heat or skip the sweetener for a strictly savory profile.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the spice rub. Massage the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Prep the Instant Pot

Place the metal trivet inside your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of broth to keep the ribs moist and prevent scorching.

Step 4: Add the Ribs

Lay the ribs in a single layer on the trivet. If necessary, stack them criss-cross style for even cooking.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce

Brush or pour about ½ cup of barbecue sauce over the ribs for extra flavor. You can skip this step if you’re going for dry-rub only.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 45 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then carefully open the lid.

Step 7: Optional Broil for a Grilled Finish

For that irresistible charred look and flavor, transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Baste with additional BBQ sauce and broil on high for 3-5 minutes until caramelized.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)

• Metal trivet (included with most models)

• Small mixing bowl

• Rubber-tip basting brush

• Tongs

• Baking sheet (if broiling)

• Foil (optional for easy cleanup)

Recipe Variations & Swaps

• Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or your favorite keto alternative.

• Spice Level: Omit cayenne for mild ribs, or add chipotle powder for smokier heat.

• BBQ Sauce: Use sugar-free versions for a low-carb meal or try honey mustard for a twist.

• Bone-In Ribs: Increase pressure cook time to 50 minutes for bone-in cuts.

• No BBQ? Try a garlic herb butter finish or teriyaki glaze.

Storage & Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

• Let ribs cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat on medium for 2–3 minutes with a damp paper towel.

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F covered with foil for 15–20 minutes.

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes for crispy edges.

Perfect Pairings

These Instant Pot ribs pair wonderfully with both classic and creative sides. Here are a few of our top picks:

Side Dishes:

• Creamy coleslaw

• Cornbread or garlic bread

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• Mashed cauliflower or cheesy mashed potatoes

• Mac & cheese for indulgence

Beverage Pairings:

• Iced tea or lemonade for daytime meals

• A bold Zinfandel or smoky bourbon for dinner

• Sparkling water with citrus for a refreshing twist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?

Absolutely! Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. Broil at the end for the same crispy finish.

Are country-style ribs the same as baby back ribs?

No, country-style ribs come from the shoulder and are meatier than baby back ribs, which are cut from the loin. They’re perfect for pressure cooking because they stay juicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just ensure you don’t go over the Instant Pot’s max fill line. You may need to increase cooking time by 5–10 minutes.

Can I use frozen ribs?

You can, but it’s best to thaw them first for even seasoning. If cooking from frozen, increase pressure time by 10–15 minutes and skip the searing step.

Is the rub too spicy for kids?

The heat is very mild with just ½ tsp cayenne. You can leave it out entirely for a kid-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

With just 10 minutes of prep and the magic of pressure cooking, these Instant Pot Country Style Ribs are a no-fail way to serve a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout alternative, this recipe gives you all the smoky, saucy flavor of ribs without needing a grill or smoker.

Share the Love

If you tried and loved this recipe, don’t keep it a secret! Share it with your friends, pin it to your recipe board, and leave a comment below with your favorite variation. Want more easy, flavor-packed meals like this one? Subscribe to the blog for weekly recipes straight to your inbox.

Your Instant Pot just became your new BBQ pit. Happy cooking!