Description
these Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs are the ultimate answer when you want fall-off-the-bone ribs without firing up the smoker. Slow-baked at a low temperature, they come out incredibly juicy and flavorful every single time. Finished under the broiler or on the grill with sticky BBQ sauce, these ribs are perfect for family dinners, game days, or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Ribs
- 3 pounds baby back ribs (about 2 slabs)
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
Optional Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chili sauce (or additional BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, mix all spice rub ingredients and set aside.
- Remove the white membrane from the back of the ribs if present.
- Pat ribs dry and check for any bone fragments.
- Cut ribs into 4–6 rib portions.
- Rub seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Place ribs meaty side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Scatter sliced onions and garlic over the ribs.
- Cover tightly with another sheet of foil and seal well.
- Bake for 2 hours.
- Carefully open a corner and test for tenderness.
- If needed, bake an additional 20–30 minutes until tender.
- Mix BBQ sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Remove ribs from oven and discard onions, garlic, and juices.
- Brush ribs lightly with olive oil, then generously with BBQ sauce.
- Grill or broil over medium-high heat for 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
Notes
- Serve with: Coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, mac and cheese, or roasted potatoes.
- Make ahead: Bake ribs fully, refrigerate, then sauce and broil before serving.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked ribs (unsauced) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 300°F until heated through.