Best Oven Baked Beef Ribs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love BBQ-style ribs but don’t have a smoker or grill, this recipe is your perfect solution. Oven-baked beef ribs come out incredibly tender and juicy, with a deep flavor thanks to a simple dry rub and optional BBQ glaze. No fancy equipment needed—just your oven, a baking pan, and a little patience. These ribs are perfect for family dinners, game days, or whenever you’re craving a hearty, meaty dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef back ribs or short ribs
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Mustard powder (optional)
• BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (if not already removed) for more tender results.
3. Pat ribs dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and mustard powder.
5. Rub the spice mixture generously all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
6. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet, bone-side down.
7. Bake for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on thickness, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart.
8. Optional: Unwrap the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–7 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Broil time (optional): 5–7 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Ribs: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the rub for extra heat.
• Herb-Infused: Add dried thyme or rosemary to the rub for an earthy flavor twist.
• Sweet and Sticky: Use a honey BBQ glaze or maple syrup-based sauce during the broil step.
• Asian-Inspired: Replace BBQ sauce with a hoisin-garlic glaze and add five-spice powder to the rub.
• Dry Rub Only: Skip the BBQ sauce for a more traditional dry-rubbed rib experience.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Wrap ribs in foil and reheat at 300°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for a crispier edge.

For longer storage, freeze cooked ribs tightly wrapped in foil or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of beef ribs are best for baking?

Beef back ribs or short ribs work best. Back ribs are more commonly used for oven baking due to their size and meat distribution.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. Internal temperature should be around 190°F–205°F for optimal tenderness.

Why remove the membrane from beef ribs?

The membrane can be tough and chewy when cooked. Removing it allows for better flavor absorption and a more pleasant texture.

Can I prepare these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, you can season and wrap them a day in advance. Refrigerate and then bake the next day as directed.

Do I have to use BBQ sauce?

No, the dry rub alone adds plenty of flavor. The sauce is optional and customizable to your taste.

How do I make the ribs more smoky without a grill?

Use smoked paprika in the rub or add a drop of liquid smoke to your seasoning mix or BBQ sauce.

Can I cook these at a higher temperature to save time?

Lower and slower cooking is best for tender ribs. A higher temperature may dry them out.

Can I use this recipe for pork ribs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time slightly—pork ribs often take less time to become tender.

What sides go well with beef ribs?

Coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cornbread, baked beans, or roasted vegetables are great pairings.

How do I keep the ribs from drying out in the oven?

Wrapping them in foil and cooking them low and slow keeps them moist and tender.

Conclusion

These Best Oven Baked Beef Ribs are a foolproof way to enjoy flavorful, tender ribs without needing a grill or smoker. With a rich dry rub, optional BBQ glaze, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make the perfect centerpiece for a comforting, hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try for any beef lover.

Best Oven Baked Beef Ribs

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These Best Oven Baked Beef Ribs are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Baked low and slow, then optionally glazed with BBQ sauce and broiled, these ribs deliver smoky, savory flavor with fall-off-the-bone texture—no grill required.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2.5 to 3 lbs beef back ribs or short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if present. Pat ribs dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and mustard powder.
4. Rub the spice mix generously over all sides of the ribs.
5. Wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet, bone-side down.
6. Bake for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, until the ribs are tender and pull apart easily.
7. Optional: Unwrap ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–7 minutes until caramelized and slightly charred.
8. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Add cayenne pepper to the rub for spicier ribs.
• Use honey or maple syrup in the glaze for a sweet finish.
• Wrap ribs the night before and refrigerate to enhance flavor.
• Use liquid smoke or smoked paprika for smoky flavor without a grill.
• Perfectly pairs with baked beans, slaw, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 rack
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 130mg