There's nothing quite like digging into a rack of perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs. While many people associate delicious ribs with grilling or smoking, oven-baked beef ribs can be just as mouthwatering when prepared correctly.
Follow this easy recipe and cooking tips to master tender, juicy, and flavorful oven-baked beef ribs right at home.
How Do We Make Beef Ribs In The Oven?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
Servings: 4
Ingredients used to cook Beef Ribs:
- 2 racks beef back ribs (around 2-3 lbs each)
- Your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions to cook Beef Ribs:
Prep the Ribs
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Use a butter knife to get under the membrane, then grab with a paper towel and pull it off completely. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat fully.
Season the Ribs
Generously season both sides of the ribs with your favorite dry rub or make your own blend with ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the meat.
Cook Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil and place a wire rack inside. This helps render the fat while cooking. Arrange the seasoned ribs meat-side up on the rack, making sure they don't overlap.
Braise with Liquid
Pour the beef broth (or water) and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the pan. This creates moisture that gently braises the ribs as they cook for incredibly tender meat.
Cook for 2.5-3 Hours
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. You may need to cook a little longer for very meaty racks.
Optional Glaze or Sauce
If desired, about 30 minutes before cooking ends, remove the foil and baste the ribs with barbecue sauce, honey, or a glaze. This will set up into a sweet, sticky coating.
Rest and Enjoy!
Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing between the bones and digging into the tender, juicy, flavorful meat.
Also Check: Cook Perfect Sirloin Steak at Home
Cooking Tips for Beef Ribs:
Temperature to Cook Beef Ribs:
Low and slow is the name of the game for incredibly tender ribs. The optimal cooking temp for beef ribs in the oven is between 275°F to 300°F. Higher temps risk drying out the meat before it has a chance to break down fully.
Use a Meat Thermometer:
The ribs should reach an internal temp of 195°F to 205°F for maximum tenderness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the rack, avoiding the bones.
Don't Overcrowd:
Cook beef ribs in a single layer without overlapping so hot air can circulate evenly. Use multiple pans if your oven is small.
Wrap in Foil:
For extra juicy and tender ribs, wrap each rack tightly in foil about halfway through the cooking time. The steam helps break down the connective tissue.
Get Creative with Sauces:
While a dry rub gives ribs great flavor, brushing on your favorite BBQ sauce, honey glaze, or other sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking adds an extra punch of flavor too.
Conclusion
No matter if you're cooking beef ribs on the grill, smoker, or using this simple oven-baking method, with the right temperature and cook time, you'll be rewarded with mouthwateringly tender and juicy results every time. Enjoy these meaty oven-baked ribs as an easy entree, or slice off the bones and use the meat for sandwiches, tacos, and more! For smaller portions, this recipe works just as well for cooking small beef ribs in the oven too. So fire up that oven and get ready to satisfy your rib cravings in delicious fashion.
Also Read: Beef Cuts for BBQ: Smoking and Grilling Technique
FAQs about cooking Beef Ribs in Oven:
How long should ribs be cooked in the oven?
Plan on oven-baking beef ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours at 275-300°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Exact cook times can vary based on the size and meatiness of the ribs.
What temperature and time to cook beef ribs?
Beef ribs should be cooked low and slow at 275-300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 195-205°F.
Do beef ribs get more tender the longer you cook them?
Yes, beef ribs become more tender the longer they are cooked at low temperatures. This allows the connective tissue to fully break down for ultimate tenderness.
Should beef ribs be cooked low and slow or hot and fast?
The low and slow method at 275-300°F is best for incredibly tender beef ribs. Cooking them hot and fast at higher temps often results in tough, chewy meat.
