If you’re craving tender, flavorful ribs but don’t have the time or equipment for grilling, these oven-baked BBQ ribs are the perfect solution. With a simple preparation and a delicious barbecue glaze, you can enjoy the smoky, savory taste of ribs right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these ribs are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These oven-baked BBQ ribs are incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort for maximum flavor. Baking the ribs in the oven makes them tender and juicy, while the barbecue sauce caramelizes beautifully, giving you that perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. With just two main ingredients—ribs and your favorite barbecue sauce—this recipe allows you to enjoy tender ribs with minimal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy ribs year-round without needing a grill.
Ingredients
-
1 rack beef back ribs
-
Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
-
Cut the rack of ribs into individual ribs if needed. Place them meaty side down on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
-
Bake the ribs for 45 minutes.
-
Remove from the oven and generously brush each rib with barbecue sauce.
-
Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
-
Optional: Brush with a second layer of barbecue sauce before serving for extra flavor.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 3 servings (depending on portion size)
-
Prep Time: 5 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
-
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to your barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
-
Honey BBQ Ribs: Mix a bit of honey into your barbecue sauce for a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky ribs.
-
Garlic Parmesan Ribs: After baking and brushing with BBQ sauce, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder over the ribs for an extra savory flavor.
-
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs: If you have more time, you can cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours before finishing them in the oven with the barbecue sauce for a tender, melt-off-the-bone result.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but baking will help keep them crispy.
FAQs
Can I use baby back ribs for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use baby back ribs instead of beef back ribs. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check them around the 40-minute mark.
Do I need to remove the membrane from the ribs?
It’s not necessary, but removing the silver skin (the thin membrane on the underside of the ribs) can help make the ribs more tender and allow the sauce to penetrate better. You can ask your butcher to remove it or do it yourself by gently pulling it off with a paper towel.
Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, spicy—whatever suits your taste!
How do I get the ribs crispy?
For crispy edges, broil the ribs for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ribs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven and add an extra layer of barbecue sauce if desired.
Can I use a different cooking method?
If you prefer, you can cook these ribs on a grill for a more traditional method. Simply follow the same brushing with barbecue sauce instructions and grill them over medium heat for about 10 minutes, basting with sauce during the process.
How can I make these ribs sweeter?
To increase the sweetness of your ribs, add more honey, brown sugar, or a sweet barbecue sauce to the ribs before baking.
Are these ribs spicy?
The recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat to the barbecue sauce with chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy mustard if you like a bit of spice.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
Ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. You can check by inserting a fork into the meat and pulling slightly; it should come off with little effort.
Conclusion
These oven-baked BBQ ribs are the perfect solution for satisfying your rib cravings without the need for a grill. They’re tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a deliciously caramelized barbecue sauce that adds a rich, smoky sweetness. Easy to make and highly customizable, this recipe is ideal for any night of the week or as a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering. Whether you prefer them sweet, spicy, or savory, these BBQ ribs are sure to become a favorite!
Print
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (depending on portion size)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Craving tender, flavorful ribs without the need for grilling? These oven-baked BBQ ribs are the perfect solution! With minimal prep and a delicious caramelized barbecue glaze, these ribs are incredibly juicy and tender. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this easy recipe delivers mouthwatering results every time. Enjoy smoky, sweet, and savory flavors from the comfort of your kitchen!
Ingredients
1 rack beef back ribs
Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
-
Cut the rack of ribs into individual ribs if needed. Place them meaty side down on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
-
Bake the ribs for 45 minutes.
-
Remove from the oven and generously brush each rib with barbecue sauce.
-
Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
-
Optional: Brush with a second layer of barbecue sauce before serving for extra flavor.
Notes
Variations:
Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to your barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
Honey BBQ Ribs: Mix honey into your barbecue sauce for extra sweetness.
Garlic Parmesan Ribs: After brushing with BBQ sauce, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garlic powder for a savory twist.
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs: Cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours before finishing in the oven for a melt-off-the-bone result.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
