These Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Slowly baked in a low-temperature oven, these ribs are coated in a homemade dry rub, then basted with sticky barbecue sauce for the ultimate finger-licking meal. No grill needed—just perfectly juicy ribs every time!

Ingredients

Serves: 4-6

For the Dry Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

For the Ribs:

• 2 kg pork back ribs (about 2 full racks)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

How to Make Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs & Dry Rub

• Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
• In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients for the dry rub.
• Remove the silver membrane from the bone side of each rib rack (use a knife to loosen and grip with a paper towel for easy removal).
• Generously coat the ribs on all sides with the dry rub, massaging it into the meat.

Step 2: Bake Low & Slow

• Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 2 hours in the preheated oven.

Step 3: Unwrap & Continue Baking

• Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully open the foil to expose the ribs.
• Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another hour to develop a deeper color and flavor.

Step 4: Brush with BBQ Sauce

• Remove the ribs from the oven and generously brush with barbecue sauce.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the ribs rest for 5 minutes.
• Slice into individual ribs between the bones.
• Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Want smokier flavor? Add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke to the dry rub or sauce.
• Prefer spicier ribs? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the dry rub.
• Grill Finish: For an extra charred crust, place the ribs on a hot grill for 5 minutes per side after baking.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: Try a mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika for a quick homemade BBQ sauce.

FAQ

Can I make these ribs ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the ribs without BBQ sauce, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with sauce and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Can I use baby back ribs instead?
Absolutely! The cooking time remains about the same for baby back ribs.

How do I store & reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.

And that’s it for Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs! If you try them, tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your creations! For more BBQ-inspired recipes, check out my latest dishes here.

Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

Print Recipe

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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Andrea Buckett

Ingredients

The Dry Rub

2 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

For the Ribs

2 kg Pork back ribs (about 2 sides)

1 cup barbecue sauce (pick your favorite)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250°F

1. Mix together all the ingredients for the dry rub.

2. Remove the thin silver membrane from the bone side of each rack of ribs and discard.

3. Season both racks of ribs generously, on all sides with the dry rub

4. Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake in the oven for 2 hours.

6. Remove the ribs from the oven and open the tinfoil to reveal the ribs. Put them back in the oven and cook for another 1 hour.

7. Remove the ribs from the oven and generously brush barbecue sauce all over the ribs. Return the ribs to the oven for another 30 minutes.

8. Remove the ribs from the oven and cut them into pieces between the bones. 

Serve the ribs immediately with more barbecue sauce.