Mouthwatering Slow-Cooked Beef Ribs

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds of beef ribs
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 cup of barbecue sauce
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups of beef broth

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
  2. Pat dry the beef ribs with paper towels and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef ribs.
  5. In a large ovenproof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef ribs and sear each side until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Remove the beef ribs and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sauté until they become translucent.
  7. Add the apple cider vinegar to the pot, scraping off any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  8. Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  9. Return the beef ribs to the pot, coating them with the broth mixture.
  10. Pour the barbecue sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
  11. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart.
  12. Remove the pot from the oven and let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Ovenproof pot - A large pot that is safe to use in the oven.
  • Paper towels - To pat dry the beef ribs before seasoning.
  • Small bowl - To mix the spices together.
  • Wooden spoon - To scrape off any browned bits from the pot.
  • Oven - To bake the beef ribs at a low temperature.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different spice rub, such as a Cajun or Mexican-inspired blend.
  • Marinate the beef ribs overnight in your favorite marinade before cooking.
  • Try different barbecue sauce flavors, such as honey mustard, smoky chipotle, or Korean-style.
  • Add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor.
  • Experiment with different cooking methods, such as grilling the ribs instead of baking them.
  • For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the spice rub or barbecue sauce.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by mixing in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the barbecue sauce.
  • For a tangier flavor, substitute the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce.
  • Replace the beef ribs with pork ribs or lamb ribs for a different meat option.
  • For a meat-free alternative, substitute the beef ribs with large portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks.

Recipe overview

In this mouthwatering recipe, beef ribs are slowly cooked to perfection in a mixture of barbecue sauce and spices, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness. Begin by rubbing the ribs with a blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar, searing them to seal in all the flavors. Then, the ribs are gently simmered in a savory mix of beef broth, onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar before being coated with barbecue sauce and slow-cooked in the oven. With a prep time of only 30 minutes and 3-4 hours of hands-off cooking time, this comforting dish is perfect for a relaxed weekend meal. Expect to be greeted with the enticing aroma of well-cooked beef and a taste that's sure to make your tastebuds sing. Enjoy these beef ribs with a side of mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the beef ribs? - The beef ribs need to be baked in the oven for 3-4 hours until they are tender and easily pull apart.
  2. What temperature should the oven be set to? - Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
  3. Can I use a different type of sauce? - Yes, you can use your preferred barbecue sauce or even make your own homemade sauce if desired.
  4. What can I serve with beef ribs? - Beef ribs pair well with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
  5. Can I use boneless beef ribs instead? - Yes, you can use boneless beef ribs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless ribs may cook faster than bone-in ribs.
  6. Can I grill the beef ribs instead of baking? - While this recipe is specifically for baking the ribs, you can adapt it for grilling. Sear the ribs on high heat on the grill, then transfer them to indirect heat and cook until tender.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? - Yes, you can prepare the beef ribs in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A large ovenproof pot or baking dish to cook the beef ribs in.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot while sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • Paper towels - To pat dry the beef ribs before seasoning.
  • Tongs - Essential for flipping and removing the beef ribs from the pot.
  • Basting brush - To evenly coat the beef ribs with the barbecue sauce.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the spices and brown sugar.
  • Chef's knife - For mincing the garlic and finely chopping the onion.
  • Cutting board - To safely chop and prepare the onion and garlic.
  • Oven mitts - To handle the hot pot when removing it from the oven.

Origin stories

Beef ribs, a staple of American barbecue cuisine, have roots firmly planted in the southern United States. The tradition of slow-cooking beef ribs over low heat originated from the pre-Civil War era, where resourceful cooks sought methods to make tough, undesirable cuts of meat into tender, flavorful meals. This cooking method, known as barbecuing, was largely adopted by African American slaves, who often were given the least desirable cuts of meat. Over time, the technique evolved, incorporating marinades, rubs, and sauces to further enhance the flavor. Today, beef ribs are a celebrated part of American barbecue culture, particularly in states like Texas and Kansas, where each boasts its unique style of barbecue. The slow, patient process of cooking the ribs, the careful blend of spices in the rub, and the smoky, sweet tang of the sauce all reflect a culinary tradition born out of necessity, that has evolved into an art form.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.