These Beef Back Ribs cooked in the oven are super tender and packed with flavor! With a nice rub and some slow cooking, they turn out juicy and delicious.
I love how easy it is to make them without a grill. Just pop them in the oven, and your home will smell amazing while they cook! Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs: Look for meaty, thick ribs for the best flavor. If you can’t find back ribs, short ribs or beef chuck ribs work well too.
Olive Oil: This provides moisture and helps the spices stick. If you prefer, you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
Spices: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika creates depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika plus a bit of liquid smoke can mimic that taste. For a milder dish, skip the cayenne.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this dish. A homemade sauce can add a personal touch, or go for a store-bought version that you love. Look for sweeter or spicier options depending on your preference.
How Do I Wrap Ribs Properly for Cooking?
Wrapping the ribs in foil is key to keeping them moist while cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil to withstand the cooking process.
- Place the ribs on the foil, meat side up, to keep the juices inside.
- Wrap tightly, folding the foil edges over the meat to ensure no steam escapes.
This method allows the ribs to cook in their own juices, leading to tender and flavorful results! Remember, unwrapping can release a lot of steam, so do it carefully.
How to Make Beef Back Ribs In The Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2-3 pounds beef back ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes total, including 15 minutes for prep and 3 hours for cooking. You’ll spend the first part preparing the ribs and letting them bake until they’re tender. The final 30 minutes will glaze the ribs with barbecue sauce, making them extra delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Ribs:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Meanwhile, rinse the beef back ribs under cold water to clean them and then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps your seasoning stick better!
2. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you like some heat). Stir well to make a tasty spice mix that will enhance the flavor of the ribs.
3. Season the Ribs:
Now, rub the olive oil all over the ribs to help the spices stick. Next, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the ribs, ensuring every part is well coated. This is where the flavor starts to build!
4. Wrap the Ribs:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and place the seasoned ribs on it, meat side up. Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil, making sure there are no gaps for steam to escape. This helps keep the meat juicy while it cooks.
5. Bake the Ribs:
Put the wrapped ribs on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake them in your preheated oven. Let them cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. The wait will be worth it!
6. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
After baking, carefully unwrap the ribs (be careful of the hot steam!). Brush the top of the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. This will give them a delicious glaze as they bake a little longer.
7. Final Baking Stage:
Place the unwrapped ribs back in the oven, uncovered. Bake them for an extra 30 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and develop a nice sticky glaze. You’ll love the smell filling your kitchen!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once the final baking is done, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Slice the ribs and serve them with more barbecue sauce if desired. Enjoy your tender and flavorful beef back ribs!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While beef back ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute them with beef short ribs or even chuck ribs. Just be aware that cooking times may slightly vary depending on the cut and thickness of the meat. Make sure to cook them until they are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce, you can use a homemade mixture of ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar for a simple alternative. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce or a spicy chili sauce can add a nice flavor twist. Adjust the sweetness and heat levels according to your taste preference!
How Should I Store Leftover Ribs?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Cook These Ribs on a Grill Instead?
Absolutely! After wrapping them in foil, you can place the ribs on a preheated grill over indirect heat. Cook them for about 2.5 to 3 hours as well, then unwrap and brush with barbecue sauce. Finish on the grill for an additional 15-20 minutes for that delicious smoky flavor.
