I’ve been cooking for my family for decades, and something new just happened: my 14-year-old taught me how to make oven-baked ribs. He loves meat and has perfected this recipe. The ribs are coated in a flavorful rub, cooked low and slow in the oven for hours, then basted with a tangy barbecue sauce for a tender, saucy finish.
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Ribs
What Kind of Ribs Should I Buy?
For this recipe I use a rack of meaty pork back ribs. They differ from spare ribs and short ribs and cook more predictably in the oven, so I don’t recommend substituting other types here.
Rib Rub
To season the ribs you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons mustard
Although some ask whether the mustard can be skipped, I recommend keeping it. The mustard acts as a binder so the rub adheres well to the meat. It doesn’t make the ribs taste strongly of mustard—my husband dislikes mustard but still loved these ribs—so give it a try.
Semi-Homemade Barbecue Sauce
My son likes to mix a homemade sauce with a bit of store-bought barbecue sauce for extra depth. For the sauce use:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup store-bought barbecue sauce (plus extra for topping)
How Much Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe yields one rack of ribs. Multiply the ingredients if you need to serve more people. Ribs disappear quickly, so plan for extra if you’re feeding a crowd.
How to Make Ribs in the Oven
You don’t need a smoker or grill to get flavorful, tender ribs—an oven can do it. The key is cooking them low and slow so the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. High heat will dry and toughen the meat.
First, prepare your ribs.
This method works best with meaty pork back ribs. Lay out a sheet of foil (or cross two sheets), then place the ribs in the center. Remove the membrane from the bony side; it should peel off easily.
Combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Spread mustard over both sides of the ribs, rubbing it in. Sprinkle half the spice mixture on one side and rub it into the meat, then repeat on the other side so all surfaces are coated.
Wrap the ribs tightly in foil, ensuring there are no gaps, then wrap again in a second layer of foil for extra seal.
Bake, baste, and finish.
Place the double-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours. After baking, carefully unwrap the ribs and brush the sauce on both sides, using all of it to coat the meat evenly. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for about 10 minutes to set the sauce and warm through.
Remove from the oven, brush a little more barbecue sauce on top if desired, slice between the bones, and serve while hot.
What to Serve with Oven Baked Ribs
These ribs are perfect for family dinners or backyard gatherings. Classic sides include roasted or smashed potatoes, grilled or roasted vegetables, a fresh pasta salad, or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness of the meat.
More Meat Recipes
If you enjoy hearty meat dishes, try other favorites like Instant Pot chuck roast, baked chicken breast, or shredded beef in a salsa verde. These recipes offer comforting, family-friendly meals that pair well with ribs.
HAPPY COOKING!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. If you want to follow along with my cooking adventures, find me on Instagram @AMBERSKITCHEN.
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Ingredients
- 1 rack meaty pork back ribs
Rib Rub
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons mustard
Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup bbq sauce plus more bbq sauce to top once it’s done
Instructions
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Get a rack of meaty pork back ribs.
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Criss-cross aluminum foil and set the ribs in the middle.
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Remove the membrane from the bony side.
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Spread mustard on both sides of the ribs and rub it in.
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Apply the seasoning mixture to both sides, rubbing it into the meat.
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Wrap the ribs tightly in foil (twice for a good seal). Place on a baking sheet and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 2.5–3 hours.
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Unwrap the ribs, brush sauce on both sides, and return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes.
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Brush a little more barbecue sauce on top, slice, and enjoy.