Description
These easy oven baked BBQ beef ribs are perfectly seasoned, slow-baked to tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone perfection. Coated with a flavorful spice rub and finished with a sticky BBQ sauce glaze, this recipe is simple and consistently delivers mouthwatering ribs that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Ribs
- 3 lbs meaty beef ribs (grass-fed)
- Liquid smoke (optional, to taste)
- 2–4 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning Rub
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoon salt (smoked salt optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
Finishing Sauce
- Favorite BBQ Sauce (approx. a few tablespoons, Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Rinse the 3 lbs of meaty beef ribs and pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- Apply liquid smoke (optional): Douse the dry ribs with liquid smoke if using and rub it in evenly for an added smoky flavor.
- Coat with olive oil: Lightly coat the ribs with 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil to help the seasonings stick and enhance the crust.
- Mix and apply seasoning: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, dark brown sugar, chili powder, salt, paprika, and oregano in a bowl. Generously sprinkle this mix over the ribs front and back, massaging the spices into the meat thoroughly. Add more olive oil if needed to help distribute the spice rub evenly.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned ribs in a large ziplock bag or a covered bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld and the meat tenderize.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) for low and slow cooking.
- Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay the ribs in a single layer. Add another piece of foil on top and seal the edges tightly to create a pouch that traps steam and keeps the ribs moist.
- Bake the ribs: Place on the middle rack and bake for 3½ to 4 hours, checking after 3½ hours. The low temperature allows the ribs to become tender and juicy without drying out. Remove when the ribs are tender and cooked to your liking.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent flare-ups during broiling.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Brush a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs to coat evenly.
- Broil to finish: Place ribs under the broiler on low and cook uncovered just until the BBQ sauce becomes sticky and caramelized. This happens quickly, so watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the ribs hot with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the tender, flavorful, and juicy oven baked BBQ beef ribs!
Notes
- For best results, use meaty beef ribs with good marbling for tenderness and flavor.
- Liquid smoke is optional but enhances the smoky BBQ flavor if you don’t have a grill.
- Adjust salt levels according to your preference or dietary needs.
- Sealing the foil pouch tightly helps keep ribs moist and tender during the long baking process.
- Keep an eye on the ribs during broiling to prevent the BBQ sauce from burning.
- Let the ribs rest a few minutes after cooking before serving to retain juices.
- Serve with classic sides like sweet corn, steamed broccoli, garlic toast, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Keywords: oven baked beef ribs, BBQ beef ribs, slow baked ribs, juicy beef ribs, fall off the bone ribs, beef rib recipe, easy BBQ ribs, southern style ribs
