Baked beef ribs
Baked beef ribs are a hearty and flavorful dish made by slow-cooking beef ribs in the oven until they are tender and juicy. Seasoned with a dry rub or marinade and often finished with a caramelized barbecue glaze, these ribs are perfect for family dinners, parties, or any special occasion. Their rich, smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone texture make them an irresistible comfort food favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 450 kcal
Rimmed Baking Sheet A sturdy baking sheet holds the ribs and catches drippings.
Aluminum Foil This wraps the ribs to retain moisture during baking.
Sharp knife To trim the ribs and remove the silver skin.
Mixing Bowl This is used to prepare the dry rub or marinade.
Basting Brush To evenly coat the ribs with barbecue sauce.
Meat Thermometer Ensure the ribs reach the perfect internal temperature of 190-205°F.
For the Ribs
- 2-3 pounds of beef ribs (back ribs or short ribs, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For the Sauce (Optional)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is crucial for slow-cooking the ribs and breaking down the connective tissue, resulting in tender meat.
2. Prepare the Ribs: Rinse the beef ribs under cold water and pat them dry: with paper towels. Using a knife or your fingers, remove the silver skin (the tough membrane on the underside of the ribs). This step ensures that the seasoning penetrates the meat more effectively.
3. Apply the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, mix all the dry rub ingredients. Drizzle the ribs with olive oil, then generously coat them with a dry rub, ensuring every surface is covered. Massage the rub into the meat for maximum flavor.
4. Wrap and Bake: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them tightly with another sheet of foil to trap moisture. Bake the ribs in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on their size and thickness.
5. Add the Sauce (Optional): If you’re using barbecue sauce, remove the foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. Brush the ribs with the sauce, then return them to the oven uncovered. This step allows the sauce to caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the ribs are done, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
- For extra flavor, marinate the ribs overnight in the refrigerator.
- Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dry rub if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Always let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving to retain their juices.