These oven-baked ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor. Using a simple spice rub and a slow-cooking method, the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone delicious before being finished with a caramelized layer of barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or anytime you’re craving BBQ without firing up the grill.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is for:
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BBQ lovers who want the taste of smoked ribs without needing a smoker.
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Busy home cooks who want a foolproof, oven-based method.
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Families looking for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Beginners who may be intimidated by grilling but still want restaurant-quality ribs at home.
Why It’s Great
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No grill required – You can make amazing ribs right in your oven.
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Simple ingredients – Pantry spices transform into a flavorful rub.
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Customizable – Use your favorite BBQ sauce or even make your own.
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Tender every time – The slow bake ensures perfectly cooked, fall-apart ribs.
Ingredients
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2 racks baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp onion powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp cumin
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Baking sheet
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Aluminum foil
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Mixing bowl
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Basting brush
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Knife for slicing ribs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
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In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, brown sugar, cayenne, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cumin.
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Rub ribs with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice blend.
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Wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
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Remove from oven, brush generously with barbecue sauce, and broil for about 5 minutes until caramelized.
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Let rest briefly, slice, and serve hot.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating tip: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil until heated through to keep ribs moist.
FAQ
Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them ahead, refrigerate, then brush with BBQ sauce and broil just before serving.
Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Absolutely, just add an extra 30–45 minutes of baking time since they’re meatier.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet and smoky sauces work great, but spicy or tangy varieties also pair beautifully.
Do I need to remove the rib membrane?
Yes, for maximum tenderness, peel off the silver skin from the back of the ribs before seasoning.
Conclusion
These oven-baked BBQ ribs are proof that you don’t need a smoker to create a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone meal. With a simple spice rub, slow cooking, and a caramelized BBQ glaze, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer parties, or cozy weekends at home. Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to rib recipe!
