These beef back ribs are so easy to make in the oven, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them before! They bake up tender and juicy, covered in a yummy spice rub.
When you take that first bite, trust me, you’ll be smiling! I love serving them with a side of coleslaw—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. Enjoy the messiness! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs: These are meaty and flavorful, making them the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, you could use beef short ribs as a tasty alternative.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand, or make your own. If you want less sugar, try a vinegar-based sauce. My personal favorite is a homemade honey BBQ sauce for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth, but you can also use regular paprika or even cayenne for a spicy kick. Experiment to see what you like best!
Brown Sugar: It enhances the sweetness in the rub. If you’re looking for a healthy swap, try coconut sugar or honey instead. Just adjust the amount if you use liquid sweeteners.
How to Get Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs?
The secret to tender beef back ribs lies in cooking them low and slow. Wrapping them tightly in foil helps to steam the meat, ensuring maximum moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to a low temperature (300°F/150°C) for gentle cooking.
- Cook the ribs covered in foil for at least 3 hours. This slow cook breaks down the tough fibers.
- Once they’re tender, uncover the ribs and increase the heat to caramelize the barbecue sauce. This gives a lovely sticky finish!
- Always let the ribs rest after cooking, giving them a chance to reabsorb the juices before you slice into them.
Easy Oven Beef Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef back ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to bake the ribs for about 3 hours at a low temperature, followed by an additional 15-20 minutes for caramelizing the sauce. In total, it’s around 3 hours and 30 minutes for tender, mouthwatering beef back ribs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is key for making the ribs tender and juicy.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix is going to add lots of flavor to your ribs!
3. Prepare the Ribs:
Pat the beef back ribs dry with paper towels. Then, drizzle the olive oil all over the ribs, making sure to cover them well. This helps the dry rub stick.
4. Season the Ribs:
Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing it in gently so it adheres well. This is where all that delicious flavor comes from!
5. Wrap the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, meat side up. Wrap them tightly in the foil, sealing all edges to keep the moisture in. This will help steam the ribs during baking.
6. Bake the Ribs:
Put the foil packet on a baking sheet and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and starts pulling away from the bone. This is the magic of low and slow cooking!
7. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the oven and open the foil to expose the meat. Brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on all sides. You want a nice coating for that yummy glaze!
8. Caramelize the Sauce:
Now, crank the oven temperature up to 425°F (220°C). Return the ribs to the oven uncovered and let them bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Baste the ribs with more barbecue sauce halfway through until it turns caramelized and sticky.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle.
Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side, and enjoy the deliciousness of your tender, oven-baked beef back ribs!
FAQ About Easy Oven Beef Back Ribs Recipe
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for beef back ribs, you can also use short ribs or spare ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut, so adjust accordingly for tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can use teriyaki sauce, honey garlic sauce, or a homemade marinade. Just ensure it is thick enough to glaze the ribs nicely!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or briefly in the microwave.
Can I Prepare the Ribs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can season the ribs with the dry rub up to a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow them to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
