Name: Barbecue Beef Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 pounds beef ribs (short ribs or back ribs); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Barbecue beef ribs are hearty, smoky, and absolutely mouthwatering. I love how they turn out with rich beefy flavor and a caramelized glaze that pairs perfectly with the spice rub and barbecue sauce. Slow cooking makes them tender, while finishing them on the grill adds that classic charred flavor I can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that beef ribs are meaty, flavorful, and satisfying. I don’t need complicated tools to make them—just time and patience. I love how the dry rub soaks into the ribs, and once they’re glazed with barbecue sauce, the combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors is unbeatable. These ribs make the perfect centerpiece for a cookout or even a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef ribs (short ribs or back ribs)
Brown sugar
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
I remove any silver skin or tough membrane from the back of the ribs to make them more tender.
In a small bowl, I combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
I rub the ribs with olive oil and coat them generously with the spice mix.
I place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, cover tightly with another sheet of foil, and bake for 3–3.5 hours until tender.
I preheat the grill (or broiler), brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning once and basting again, until the sauce caramelizes.
I let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, and cooking takes about 3–3.5 hours, so I plan for a total of about 3 hours and 20–30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use a coffee-based rub for deeper flavor with beef ribs.
For a spicy kick, I add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the rub.
When I want an international twist, I brush them with Korean-style barbecue sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
If I have a smoker, I slow-cook the ribs with wood chips for a stronger smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze the ribs for up to 2 months. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. I sometimes add a little extra barbecue sauce before reheating to keep them moist.

FAQs

How do I make beef ribs tender?

I cook them low and slow, covered in foil, so the heat breaks down the connective tissue and makes them juicy and tender.

Can I cook beef ribs in a smoker instead of the oven?

Yes, I love using a smoker for ribs. I keep the temperature around 225–250°F and cook them for 5–6 hours until they’re tender and smoky.

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes cook them the day before and store them in the fridge. I finish them on the grill when I’m ready to serve.

What barbecue sauce goes best with beef ribs?

I like a smoky or tangy sauce with beef ribs since the bold flavor of the meat pairs well with stronger sauces.

Conclusion

Barbecue beef ribs are one of my favorite dishes when I want a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. I love how they come out tender and juicy with a smoky-sweet glaze that makes them unforgettable. Whether I serve them at a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, these ribs always deliver big flavor and lots of smiles.

Barbecue Beef Ribs