These oven-baked beef ribs are tender and full of flavor, cooked low and slow to make them fall-off-the-bone good. Plus, they only need a few simple ingredients!
I love how easy this recipe is—just season the ribs, pop them in the oven, and relax while the delicious smell fills your home. Perfect for family dinners or game days! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the dish. Look for meaty ribs with a good amount of fat; it keeps them juicy. If short ribs are hard to find, you can use chuck ribs as an alternative.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for more control over flavor. If you want to avoid sugar, try a sugar-free barbecue sauce or even a homemade mix of ketchup and vinegar.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add nice flavors, while smoked paprika gives a great smoky taste. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can work as substitutes!
Olive Oil: Feel free to replace it with any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil. You could also use melted butter for added richness.
How Do I Ensure My Ribs are Perfectly Tender?
Getting tender beef ribs takes patience and the right cooking method. Slow cooking is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start at a low temperature like 300°F. This allows the meat to slowly break down and become soft.
- Cover the ribs tightly with foil during the first baking stage. This traps steam and moisture, preventing dryness.
- Cook them for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking them after about 2 hours. They should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- After removing the cover for the last bake, let the barbecue sauce caramelize. This adds a delicious sticky glaze!
Letting them rest before serving helps keep the juices inside for flavorful bites! Enjoy your delicious ribs!
Easy Oven Baked Beef Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 beef short ribs (about 3-4 inches each)
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and then 3 hours in total for cooking. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, and then let the oven do the work while you relax. Perfect for a lazy Sunday or a family dinner night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This gentle heat is perfect for making ribs tender and juicy.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
3. Prep the Ribs:
Take the beef ribs and drizzle them with olive oil. Rub the oil all over the meat so it’s fully covered. Then, use the spice mix to season the ribs, pressing it into the meat for added flavor.
4. Bake with Foil:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned ribs on the sheet and cover them tightly with another piece of foil. This keeps all the moisture in and helps cook the ribs evenly.
5. Bake Slow and Low:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. The ribs will be done when the meat is very tender and can easily be pulled away from the bone.
6. Increase the Temperature:
Once the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the oven. Turn up the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the next step.
7. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Generously brush your favorite barbecue sauce all over the ribs, coating them well. This will create a delicious caramelized layer during the next baking phase.
8. Final Bake:
Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the sauce to become sticky and slightly charred.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once you’ve finished baking, remove the ribs from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices, then serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Enjoy your deliciously tender and flavorful oven-baked beef ribs! They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef short ribs are ideal, you can also use other cuts like chuck ribs or back ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the cut and thickness.
Can I Make These Ribs in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ribs up to the baking stage ahead of time. Season them and cover them tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the oven. You may need to add a little extra cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 275°F (135°C) covered in foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it!
Can I Add My Favorite Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the spice mix to your taste. Adding your favorite herbs or spices like cayenne pepper for heat or cumin for an earthy flavor can make the dish uniquely yours!
