These Traeger Country-Style Pork Ribs are an easy, flavor-forward way to enjoy tender, saucy pork with minimal fuss. This version uses a pellet grill to add smoke before finishing the ribs braised in BBQ sauce until they are fall-apart tender. With just three main ingredients and mostly hands-off cooking time, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner and satisfying enough for a backyard gathering.
Traeger Country-Style Pork Ribs
Country-style pork ribs come from the shoulder, not the rib cage, so they are meatier and better marbled. That extra fat and connective tissue makes them ideal for smoking and low-and-slow cooking. When seasoned, smoked, and finished slowly in sauce, the meat becomes tender while remaining juicy and flavorful.
In this method, the ribs pick up a deep smoky base on the pellet grill, then are transferred to a pan, thoroughly coated in BBQ sauce, and tightly wrapped to braise. That finish keeps the ribs moist and produces a sticky, tangy glaze that clings to every bite.
The recipe is flexible: you can use your favorite BBQ rub and sauce, or try a custom rub if you have one. The combination of a balanced rub, wood smoke, and a finishing sauce does most of the work, producing reliably delicious ribs without complicated techniques.
These smoked, sauced country-style pork ribs come out tender, richly flavored, and perfectly coated in sauce — great for serving straight from the pan or carving onto a platter for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Simple ingredients — just meat, rub, and BBQ sauce.
- Low-effort cooking — pellet grills hold a steady temperature for consistent results.
- Deep, smoky flavor — smoke first, then finish in sauce for sticky, savory bites.
- Meaty and filling — large, boneless cuts are great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers.
- Adaptable — change rubs, sauces, or pellet flavor for different profiles.
Smoked Spare Ribs
Recipe Shopping List
Here are the items you’ll need to prepare this recipe. Quantities are listed below in the recipe card section.
- Country-style pork ribs — thick, boneless shoulder cuts that hold up well to smoke and braising.
- OWYD Everything Rub or another all-purpose BBQ rub — a balanced rub seasons the meat and complements the smoke.
- BBQ sauce — choose a sauce you enjoy, whether sweet Kansas City style, tangy vinegar-based, or spicy.
Smoked Party Ribs
How To Make This Recipe
This overview outlines the cooking process so you know what to expect. Follow the step-by-step recipe in the card below for amounts and timing.
- Preheat your pellet grill to 225°F (107°C). Set it up for indirect smoking if needed.
- Place the ribs on a tray and season all sides generously with your chosen rub.
- Put the ribs directly on the grill grates and smoke for about 2 hours to develop smoke flavor and color.
- Transfer the ribs to a grill-safe pan, then pour BBQ sauce over them, coating them thoroughly.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and return it to the grill to braise for another 1–2 hours. Check after 1 hour for tenderness with a fork; if not yet tender, reseal and continue checking every 20 minutes until done.
- When the meat is very tender and pulls apart easily, remove from the grill, rest briefly, then serve.
Grilled Korean-Style Flanken Short Ribs
Recipe FAQ
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave with a splash of extra sauce or broth to keep the meat moist.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully cook the ribs, cool them, and store them in the fridge. Reheat covered at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, adding a bit more sauce if needed.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes. Bone-in country-style ribs or a pork shoulder can be used, but expect variations in cooking time. Adjust cooking until the meat is fork-tender.
What other rubs or sauces work?
Any balanced BBQ rub will work well. For sauces, pick one that matches your preferred flavor profile — sweet, tangy vinegar-based, mustard-forward, or spicy all work.
Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs (No Wrap)
Serve This With…
- Smoked mac and cheese
- Creamy coleslaw or vinegar slaw
- Jalapeño cheddar cornbread
- Roasted fingerling potatoes or grilled vegetables
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Traeger Country-Style Pork Ribs
These Traeger smoked country-style pork ribs are an ideal BBQ choice when you want tender, crowd-pleasing pork that’s easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 pounds country-style pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons OWYD Everything Rub (or your preferred BBQ rub)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat pellet grill to 225°F (107°C).
- Arrange the pork ribs on a tray or sheet pan. Season all sides evenly with the rub.
- Place the ribs directly on the grill grates and smoke for 2 hours.
- Remove the ribs from the grill and transfer them to a grill-safe pan. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs, coating them thoroughly.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the grill. Cook for 1–2 additional hours.
- After 1 hour, check ribs for tenderness with a fork. If they are not yet tender, reseal and continue cooking, checking every 20 minutes until they reach the desired doneness.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 535 • Total Fat: 24g • Saturated Fat: 5g • Trans Fat: 0.1g • Unsaturated Fat: 8g • Cholesterol: 145mg • Sodium: 1106mg • Carbohydrates: 39g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 32g • Protein: 39g