These oven beef back ribs are juicy and packed with flavor! With a simple rub and low cooking for tenderness, they’re perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is. Just season, pop them in the oven, and wait for that amazing smell to fill your kitchen. Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs: Choose meaty back ribs for tenderness. If they’re not available, short ribs or spare ribs can work too, but they may have different cooking times.
Brown Sugar: This is key for that sweet caramelization. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try coconut sugar or honey, but reduce the quantity slightly since honey is sweeter.
Spices: The paprika, garlic, and onion powder give great flavor. Feel free to customize! Smoked paprika adds a nice touch for a BBQ vibe. If you want it spicier, add cayenne pepper.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or make your own! Try a mustard-based or vinegar-based sauce if you prefer something tangy instead of sweet.
How Can You Ensure Your Ribs Are Tender and Juicy?
Cooking ribs low and slow helps break down tough collagen, making them tender. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfect:
- Keep the oven low at 275°F. This allows the meat to fully tenderize without drying out.
- Wrap ribs tightly in foil. This prevents moisture from escaping, which keeps them juicy during cooking.
- Don’t rush the cooking time! Let them cook for 3 hours to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Finalize at a high temperature to caramelize the barbecue sauce, giving a lovely finish.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll serve perfect ribs every time!
Easy Oven Beef Back Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef back ribs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and around 3 hours of cooking time. So, in total, you should plan for about 3 hours and 10 minutes to enjoy delicious, tender ribs straight from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is crucial for making the ribs tender.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder if you’re using it. This blend will give the ribs a great flavor!
3. Season the Ribs:
Use paper towels to pat the beef back ribs dry. This helps the rub stick better. Now, rub your dry spice mixture evenly over all sides of the ribs. Make sure to coat them well.
4. Wrap the Ribs:
Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in aluminum foil. This will create a sealed packet that keeps the moisture in during cooking, making the ribs juicy and tender.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Place the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Bake for about 3 hours or until the meat is tender and starts pulling away from the bones. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Prepare for Saucing:
After 3 hours, carefully remove the ribs from the oven. Open the foil packet carefully to avoid steam burns and drain any excess liquid from it.
7. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs. This is where you can get creative with flavors!
8. Bake Again:
Now, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Place the ribs back on the baking sheet, this time uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This will make the sauce bubble and caramelize, giving you that delicious BBQ crust.
9. Rest and Slice:
Once done, take the ribs out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. After resting, slice the ribs between the bones.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot ribs with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and tender beef back ribs with family or friends!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Oven Beef Back Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Ribs?
Absolutely! If beef back ribs aren’t available, you can use short ribs or spare ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly—shorter ribs may cook faster while spare ribs could take a bit longer.
How Can I Make the Ribs Spicier?
If you love a kick of heat, you can add more chili powder to the dry rub or incorporate cayenne pepper for an extra punch. You can also choose a spicy barbecue sauce when brushing on the final coat!
Can I Prepare the Ribs in Advance?
Yes! You can season the ribs and keep them in the fridge, wrapped tightly, for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can enhance the flavors. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before you bake them!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave them, covering with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
