Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender and Juicy: Slow baking breaks down tough fibers for melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking.
Flavorful Crust: A dry rub creates a delicious, caramelized exterior.
Versatile: Serve with your favorite sides and sauces for a complete meal.

Ingredients

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

3 to 4 pounds beef ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: barbecue sauce for glazing

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Prepare Ribs: Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil over the ribs.
Season: Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub seasoning evenly over all sides of the ribs.
Bake: Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil or a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 3-4 hours until meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
Optional Glaze: Remove foil and brush ribs with barbecue sauce. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until sauce is caramelized.
Serve: Let ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy Rub: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
Different Sauces: Use a tangy mustard sauce or a sweet glaze instead of barbecue sauce.
Slow Cooker: Cook ribs on low for 6-8 hours for similar tenderness.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the rub.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze ribs tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use short ribs instead?

Yes, short ribs work well with similar cooking times.

How do I keep ribs moist?

Cook covered with foil and avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare ribs ahead of time?

Yes, cook in advance and reheat before serving.

What sides go well with baked beef ribs?

Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if all ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I know when ribs are done?

Meat should be tender and pull easily from the bone.

Can I use a dry rub without oil?

Yes, but oil helps the seasoning stick and enhances flavor.

Can I bake ribs at a higher temperature?

Low and slow yields best tenderness, but you can finish with a high-temp glaze.

Can I add vegetables to bake with ribs?

Yes, add carrots, onions, or potatoes around the ribs.

Are baked ribs kid-friendly?

Yes, mild seasoning makes them suitable for children.

Conclusion

Baked Beef Ribs are a simple, tender, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Slow baking ensures juicy meat with a savory crust, and the recipe’s versatility makes it a great go-to for satisfying, home-cooked meals.