Servings
Font
Back
0 from 819 votes

Tender Oven-Baked Barbecue Ribs

Making ribs in the oven is so easy, prep is quick and they are fall-off-the-bone tender every single time. 

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 447 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Ribs
  • 3 pounds baby back ribs 2 slabs
  • 2 yellow onions sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced
Spice Rub (optional)
  • 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 *see note or additional BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, combine the spice mix and set aside. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. If present, remove the white membrane from the back side of the ribs (see notes). Pat the ribs dry and check for little bone shards or pieces. Cut into 4 to 6 rib pieces.
  3. Gently massage the seasoning mix (or salt and pepper) into both sides of the ribs.
  4. Place the ribs on the prepared baking pan, meaty side down. Cover the ribs with onion and garlic. 
  5. Cover & seal with another piece of foil.
  6. Bake the ribs for 2 hours. Carefully open the corner of the sealed foil and pull a small piece of meat off to ensure the ribs are tender. If they are not tender, bake for another 20-30 minutes and check again.
  7. Meanwhile, combine BBQ Rib Sauce ingredients together.
  8. Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the juices, onions, and garlic. Brush ribs with olive oil and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
  9. Grill or broil over medium high heat 5-10 minutes or until charred.

Notes

  • Variations on Cook times/temps:
  • If they are ready early, turn the oven off and let them sit for up to 1 hour in the warm oven.
  • Nutritional information does not include sauce and is based on 3lbs baby back ribs.
  • Rub: A homemade rub can be substituted for a purchased rub, or salt and pepper can be used instead of a rub.
  • Sauce: Chili sauce is not spicy it tastes like zesty ketchup and is found with ketchup in the store. If you'd prefer, use all bbq sauce in this recipe.
  • Membrane: Some racks of ribs come with the membrane removed. It is on the side of the ribs with less meat. To remove the membrane, slip a knife under the edge of the thin skin on the back of the ribs. Grip the edge of the membrane (use a paper towel if it's slippery) and gently pull it away from the meat. Discard the membrane. 
  • Cutting the ribs into pieces (about 4-6 ribs) makes them easier to grill and serve.
  • 275°F – 2 hours to 2 ½ hours *preferred method
  • 300°F – 1 ½ hours to 2 hours
  • 350°F – 1 ¼ hours to 1 ½ hoursAfter cooking, if the ribs are not tender, they need MORE time. Seal them up and cook an additional 20-30 minutes if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 447 (22%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 44g (88%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 167mg (56%) Sodium 145mg (6%) Potassium 763mg (22%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 595IU (12%) Vitamin C 1.1mg (1%) Calcium 56mg (6%) Iron 2.2mg (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 447

% Daily Value*

Calories 447 22%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 44g 88%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 167mg 56%
Sodium 145mg 6%
Potassium 763mg 16%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 595IU 12%
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1%
Calcium 56mg 6%
Iron 2.2mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.