Country Style Pork Ribs in Italian Sauce
I am not a “slow cooker” gal. I own a crockpot but it’s used for specific dishes. Those that add a bit of convenience to my life; such as making stock when I don’t have the time to stay in and watch my stock pot or making chilli and being able to keep it warm through a football party and coming home after work to simmering French Onion Soup. Gently simmered Country Style Ribs is another favorite for my crock pot.
I love how pork sweetens tomato based sauce; it’s always a key ingredient in my Italian Sauce. When my mother added pork neck bones to the sauce, it was the first I would grab for. My mother, always watching her figure, would limit me to taking just one as they did contain that meltingly good fat! Funny how I find myself now stopping my daughter with the same reasoning when she get’s excited to grab a neck bone! My Italian Sauce is always made in my extra large stock pot, not ever in a slow cooker, as it needs to be stirred lovingly throughout the long five-hour process. But these Country Style Ribs, after an initial searing in a skillet, can be placed in my crockpot with sauce and seasonings and simmered slowly without a need for stirring. I love to prepare this on an early Sunday morning having it slowly cook all day while I bike ride or run my errands and come home to wonderful aromas in my kitchen and a meal ready to go!
Chunks of tender pork in a sweet Italian sauce is a rustic, comfort meal. The pork will just fall off the bone and I serve it mixed in spaghetti or topped on spaghetti squash (my mother definitely instilled in me those healthy habits). The ribs do contain some fat and I trim off a bit of it, but the little fat on it is truly necessary to making these ribs so tender. Lots of freshly grated parmesan cheese and I’m in heaven.
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
1 tablespoon mixed dried Italian seasonings (basil, oregano)
1 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves chopped
¼ cup red wine
3-4 cups of homemade sauce or 1 jar prepared tomato basil sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for a spicy version)
Heat olive oil in large skillet. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Place as many ribs as possible in skillet, without crowding or touching. Sear each side until nicely browned and remove to place in slow cooker. Add onions and garlic to skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in the wine and tomato paste and cook, scraping up the bottom the pan. Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the ribs and add in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or until the meat is tender and coming away from the bones. Discard any loose bones and bay leaf breaking up larger pieces. Pour over spaghetti and serve hot.
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
11 Comments
Gina!
This just made my mouth water!
Kay aka Babygirl
I’m such a crock pot girl but I call it my slow cooker lo. I LOVE these country style pork ribs. Oh.. I am getting so hungry just looking at this recipe. Love it!
Lisa @smartfoodandfit
I just saw this recipe, and can’t wait to try it. My dad always makes his sauce w/ country style ribs!
spicegirlfla
The pork seems to sweeten up the sauce just perfectly! Hope you give it a try!!
The Conservative Hill Billy
This looks great. Do you have a recipe for spicy or hot sauce for ribs?
John
spicegirlfla
Hi John, thank you! I do not have a special hot sauce for ribs posted…good idea though. I have made a few different ones in the past and will pick out my favorite one to post. I do love hot and spicy food!
Gian Banchero
Boy, does this look like a great recipe, I just took country style ribs out of the freezer and will start cooking them in the morning… And yes, of course, I’ll aim in for the delicious fat. When I was a child in the 40s pork roasts all had a nice layer of fell (fat) which we kids would fight over, oh the delicious crunchyness of it all, true?? Grazie per la ricetta!!!
spicegirlfla
Oh, I remember those pork roasts too! That was the best part!! And totally not good for you, but it did taste so good!
Gian Banchero
LATER: I made the sauce, not only is it sooooo delicious but it has scented the entire neighborhood, really thank you for the recipe, I wholeheartedly recommend to your readers that they try this recipe, they will not be disappointed for sure!!!… While the sauce was in the slow cooker I laid my head down for 40 winks and continuously drempt of being at a mammoth Italian dinner with people eating tons and tons of rigatoni with your sauce. Again, everyone must try this recipe!!! Thanks soooo much for sharing!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. I will be serving it over rigatoni, talk about dreams coming true!
spicegirlfla
I’m so glad you were happy with these pork ribs! The pork definitely sweetens the tomato sauce so nicely! Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment, very much appreciated!
Frances
I have been putting pork ribs in my sauce for years .