This Easy Baked Country Style Ribs recipe is all about juicy, tender meat with a delicious BBQ flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, you just season and bake—so simple!
I love how the smell of these ribs fills the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug from dinner! 😍 Serve them with some coleslaw, and you’ll be the star of the meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Country Style Pork Ribs: These ribs are meaty and perfect for baking. They come from the shoulder and have good fat content. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with baby back ribs, though cooking times might vary slightly.
Onion: I use a large yellow onion for sweetness. If you prefer something less sweet, try red onion or even shallots for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor here. However, you can use garlic powder as a substitute in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you need a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth works just as well!
Smoked Paprika: This is what gives the ribs that smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but you might miss the smokiness. Try adding a drop of liquid smoke if you want that extra kick.
How Do I Get the Ribs to Be Tender?
The secret to tender ribs is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure your country style ribs come out beautifully soft:
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low temperature helps to break down the meat fibers.
- Patting the ribs dry before seasoning is important. It helps the rub stick and forms a nice crust.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which cooks the ribs more evenly.
- Baking them for 2 hours allows them to cook through. The last 15-20 minutes at a higher temperature helps achieve a nice golden-brown finish.
With these tips, your ribs will come out tender and mouthwatering every time! Enjoy your meal! 🌟
Easy Baked Country Style Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 3 to 4 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs of rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, with an additional 2 hours of baking time for the ribs. Once they’re fully cooked, just a few extra minutes to brown them will give you a delightful finish. So, plan for about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’s nice and warm when the ribs are ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful rub for the ribs.
3. Season the Ribs:
Take the country style ribs and pat them dry using paper towels. Then, rub the spice mixture generously on all sides of the ribs. This step adds great flavors!
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large ovenproof baking dish, lay out the sliced onion and minced garlic to create a tasty bed for the ribs. This adds flavor as they cook!
5. Arrange the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on top of the onions and garlic, making sure they are resting nicely on the bed of flavors.
6. Add Oil and Liquid:
Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and pour in the beef broth (or water) around the ribs (but not on top of the spices!) to help keep them moist while baking.
7. Add Herbs:
Sprinkle the thyme or place sprigs of rosemary on top for even more aromatic goodness.
8. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 2 hours until the ribs are tender and easy to pull apart. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Brown the Ribs:
After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil, turn up the oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will give the ribs a lovely brown crust.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once they are browned to perfection, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe yields deeply flavorful, tender country style ribs with a beautiful roasted glaze from simple baking. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Baked Country Style Ribs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Yes! While country style pork ribs are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute them with baby back ribs or spare ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; spare ribs typically require a longer baking time.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can season the ribs and prepare the baking dish the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also add a splash of beef broth to keep them moist while reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you prefer a different flavor or want a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute for beef broth. You can also use water, but you might miss that extra depth of flavor!
