Slow Cooker St. Louis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Tangy Mustard Sauce
Tender fall-off-the-bone pork ribs slow cooked with a smoky dry rub and served with a tangy, slightly sweet mustard barbecue sauce. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 435 minutes blends St. Louis-style pork spare ribs, brown sugar, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs St. Louis-style pork spare ribs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to make a dry rub.
- Step 2: Rub this spice mixture evenly over 3 lbs St. Louis-style pork spare ribs, coating all sides. Place the ribs in a slow cooker.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart.
- Step 4: While ribs cook, whisk together 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a bowl to make the tangy mustard sauce.
- Step 5: Once ribs are done, remove from slow cooker and brush generously with the mustard sauce. Optionally, broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce edges before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker St. Louis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Tangy Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker St. Louis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Tangy Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker St. Louis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Tangy Mustard Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker St. Louis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Tangy Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker St. Louis-Style BBQ Pork Ribs with Tangy Mustard Sauce?
BBQ & Smoked pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
