Crock Pot Boneless Pork Ribs with Cranberries and Apples Recipe
Tender boneless pork ribs cooked slowly in a crock pot with a flavorful combination of cranberries, apples, balsamic vinegar, and apple juice, resulting in a sweet and tangy dish perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pork and Vegetables
- 2 cups white onion, quartered and separated
- 1.5–2.5 lbs thick cut pork chops or country style ribs (boneless)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2–4 cups apple slices, ½ inch thick
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional for milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly oil the inside of your crock pot to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier. Place the quartered and separated onions evenly on the bottom of the crock pot to form the first layer.
- Add Cranberries: Layer the fresh or frozen cranberries evenly over the onions to add tartness and flavor to your dish.
- Layer the Pork: Place the boneless pork chops or country style ribs on top of the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Add Liquid Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and apple juice (or cider). For a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, mix in the brown sugar with the vinegar and apple juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork. Season the pork lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook Pork: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful.
- Add Apples and Finish Cooking: After the initial cooking period, add the apple slices to the crock pot. Continue cooking for about 40 minutes more, or until the apples are tender and the pork reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Puree Sauce: Carefully remove the pork, apples, cranberries, and some onions and place them on a serving platter. Use an immersion blender to puree the remaining sauce in the crock pot until smooth and serve it alongside the pork for added flavor.
- Season and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safe consumption.
- Using brown sugar is optional and helps balance the tartness of the cranberries and vinegar.
- Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are not available without altering cooking time.
- Adjust apple quantity based on your preference for the fruitiness and texture in the dish.
- The sauce can be made smoother or chunkier depending on how long you blend with the immersion blender.
- This recipe is perfect for slow cooking and benefits from low and slow heat to tenderize the pork.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: crock pot pork ribs, boneless pork ribs, slow cooker pork recipe, cranberry pork ribs, apple pork ribs, easy crock pot dinner
