Oven Baked Beef Ribs – Bold BBQ Flavor, Tender Every Time

These Oven Baked Beef Ribs are the perfect solution when you want rich, meaty flavor with a lighter touch. Slow-baked to juicy perfection and finished with a tangy, reduced-sugar BBQ glaze, these ribs give you the mouthwatering texture of classic barbecue—no grill needed. Perfect for a hearty weekend meal or when you’re craving something bold but balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Tender Beef Ribs – Cooked low and slow for fall-off-the-bone texture.
Healthy BBQ Option – Lean beef ribs, lighter sauce, and built-in portion control.
Oven Convenience – No grill or smoker required.
Big, Bold Flavor – Seasoned rub and sticky BBQ finish.

Ingredients

• 2.5–3 lbs beef ribs (ideally back ribs, trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or brown sugar alternative)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup reduced-sugar BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Prep the Ribs
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Remove any tough silver skin from the back of the ribs. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.

2. Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using).

3. Season the Ribs
Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil (meaty side up), and place them on a baking tray.

4. Bake Low & Slow
Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until ribs are very tender and the meat is pulling back from the bone.

5. Glaze & Broil
Carefully unwrap the ribs. Brush with BBQ sauce, then place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, just until the top caramelizes and becomes sticky.

6. Rest & Serve
Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 310
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 0g
(Will vary depending on cut and sauce used)

Tips for Success

• Use Meaty Ribs: Look for beef ribs with lots of meat between the bones.
• Trim Excess Fat: This helps lighten the dish and prevents greasy drippings.
• Low Heat Is Key: Beef ribs need time to break down—don’t rush the bake.
• Choose Your Sauce Wisely: A lower-sugar BBQ sauce keeps the balance right.
• Double the Batch: These reheat beautifully for leftovers.

Why This Recipe Works

Beef ribs have a naturally deep, robust flavor, and baking them slowly in the oven makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender. By using a dry rub and a moderate amount of tangy BBQ sauce, this dish satisfies cravings without going overboard. It’s big on comfort, smart on calories.

Oven Baked Beef Ribs offer smoky-sweet flavor with minimal effort and no grill required. They’re hearty enough for a weekend feast, but simple and light enough to enjoy more often. Serve with a fresh slaw, roasted veggies, or baked sweet potatoes for a balanced, unforgettable meal.