Hawaiian Crockpot Boneless Pork Ribs

Ground beef is a glorious protein. So simple...so good. It tastes delicious in spaghetti, casseroles, meatloaf and soups. But sheesh, it's gotten expensive! Call me cheap (I prefer frugal), but I refuse to pay 4-7 bucks for a pound of meat! If I resolved to buy fattier beef it would demand a little less from my pocket; I do lean towards leaner (get the pun?). But even the greasiest options are expensive. So... goodbye for now, ground beef. I'm on a mission to save cash by making cheaper proteins delicious! My husband's totally on board- he's more frugal than me (we're meant to be...).

We live in a small village and don't have the luxury of saving a ton with coupons. In such a peewee community competition is limited. We get sales, sure, but rarely coupons. Each week we receive fliers in the mail from the two local grocery stores, highlighting their "sweet" deals. This week, country-style boneless pork ribs were on sale for $1.87 a pound. Jackpot! I'm fairly new to cooking with pork, but I made a recipe that was incredibly yum. The meat was so tender it just fell apart in our mouths!

I'm blessed to come from a family of men who can't shut up if they like a meal. If their taste buds are pleased, the world hears about it for the next hour (minimum). You hear repeated comments like "This meal is to DIE for!" and "Mmmm, this is DELICIOUS!" I won't lie, it's kinda nice... talk about affirmation! My husband has many awesome, great, amazing qualities, but this one he doesn't possess. He'll let it be known if he likes something, sure, but often 10 minutes into digesting it. Oh the suspense! I do appreciate his honesty though when he DISLIKES something. Strange, huh? But I prefer to know if what I made was repulsive or if he could "take it or leave it." If I'm going to work in the kitchen, I want it to be worth it.

When Jason took a bite of this pork recipe, I got an immediate response; it was a keeper. My dad was visiting us and he raved about it too. This is definitely a recipe I will make again and again. And the best part? It was done in a crockpot and crockpots bring me joy. There's something about throwing everything together in the morning that's leagues better than scampering to figure things out in the afternoon; at least in my world. Plus (major perk), you get to smell the wonderful aromas all day! 

My guess is you're looking for recipes that are tasty and easy. Days can be wild. Simple recipes are paramount! Well, good news, this recipe took me 10-15 minutes to prep (tops). 

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Meanwhile, take the pork and salt and pepper both sides of each rib. 

*Note: Freshly ground peppercorns have the best flavor. Freshly ground sea salt is fabulous too (although you need a good grinder, if you're grinding a lot, so you don't pull your hair out! I speak from experience...).

Gently place the ribs in the skillet and sear each side for just under 1 minute. Be careful not to burn or overcook the pork. 

Once the ribs are seared, transfer them to the crockpot. Now, easy as 1,2,3, throw the remaining ingredients into the crockpot on low and move on with your day! 

Smell the delicious aromas venture through your house for 6-10 hours. Mmmm... nothing like prepping your taste buds for that sweet, tangy flavor! I served these ribs with homemade mashed potatoes and peas. I'm sure they'd also be great served with rice and a veggie of your choice... happy cooking!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8

Hawaiian Crockpot Boneless Pork Ribs

Prep time: 10-15 min.

Cook time: 6-10 hours

Yield: About 4-6 servings

 

 Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 6 country-style boneless pork ribs
• salt and pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3/4 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 2 1/2 tbsp. spicy mustard
• 2 (8 oz.) cans crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

 

Cooking Directions

1. Place the oil in a large skillet and heat on medium-high until oil runs quickly in the pan.
2. Meanwhile, salt and pepper both sides of the boneless ribs, then place them in the heated oil. Sear both sides for just under1 minute each. Place ribs in the crockpot.
3. Add the remaining ingredients. Make sure the ribs are covered in sauce.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Enjoy!