Oven Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs | Easy Recipe

Tender, tangy and smoky, these BBQ beef short ribs won't disappoint. They're cooked low and slow to perfection, then slathered in a healthy BBQ sauce, which you can cook more to caramelize or leave saucy!

The first time I made ribs with this method, I was sold. So tender and SO flavorful, I just couldn't stop eating them.

I was also surprised that it was such an easy recipe. For some reason, I had it in my head for years that ribs were complicated and that most people saved making them for a special occasion.

Well, now we eat them at any time of year! That may have to do with the fact that my husband's had a great hunting season. We've got lots of bear and elk ribs in the freezer and those work fine with this method as well.

And if you happen to have pork ribs (my favorite!), this recipe works great with those as well!

This is a perfect meal when you'll be busy just before supper time because you'll start it in the early afternoon. I really love recipes like that, because the work of preparing supper gets spread throughout the day.

What are Short RIbs?

Short ribs come from the lower portion of the ribcage at the front of the cow, whereas back ribs are from the back of the cow. Short ribs have the most meat on top of the rib bone, as opposed to in between the bones.

Are BBQ Beef Ribs Healthy?

These oven-baked beef ribs are made with a healthier bbq sauce and a simple seasoning mix with wholefood ingredients.

Beef short ribs - Grass-fed and grass-finished beef is best for flavor and nutrition because it comes from the healthiest cows. Whatever beef you use, it will be high in 9 essential amino acids, protein, iron, zinc and many other vitamins and minerals.

BBQ sauce - My bbq sauce recipe is made with coconut sugar (a natural sweetener), and much less sugar than most storebought and homemade bbq sauce. The combination of chili powder, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, liquid smoke and other ingredients in the tomato sauce is smoky, tangy and sweet. Of course, you can use any bbq sauce you'd like in this recipe.

Seasoning mix - Just a mix of simple, dried seasonings: garlic, onion, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, oregano and thyme!

Can you Use Boneless Short Ribs?

Yes, this recipe works for both bone-in and boneless short ribs.

How Long to Cook BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Most ribs are tough cuts of meat, so it's essential to cook them at low oven temperature for a long cook time. I always do at least 3 hours at 275°F. If you try to rush it, you'll end up with really disappointing ribs... trust me.

Follow this method, and you'll get bone tender ribs every time.

How to Cook in the Slow Cooker

Perhaps you'll be going out for the afternoon and you feel more comfortable leaving the slow cooker on than the oven. No problem!

Season the ribs with the spice mix, then add to a slow cooker, along with ¾ cup water. Cook on high for 5 hours.

Remove the ribs to a baking sheet, sauce with the bbq sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.

BBQ Beef Short Ribs Sides

In the summertime, I love to serve ribs with a german potato salad or crispy fries, plus a veggie like pan-fried asparagus, which could easily be done on the bbq.

In the winter I still make ribs, but I do more cold-weather appropriate sides like garlic mashed potatoes, warm quinoa with lemon and herbs and sauteed kale and spinach.

Tips for Making BBQ Beef Short Ribs

• It's best practice when cooking any meat to allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This is encouraged, but not necessary. It just ensures even cooking.
• You can line the baking sheet with foil or nothing at all. I use parchment because I want to avoid my food touching aluminum while cooking, but I still want an easier cleanup.
• For best results (AKA ultimate flavor!), sprinkle the ribs ALL OVER with the seasoning mix, not just the top and bottom.
• If you don't have bbq sauce, you can use only the dry rub and it will still be delicious!
• If you like saucy ribs, spread extra sauce on after the cooking is done.
• If you like chard ribs, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
• You can use fresh herbs if you have them, just make sure they're quite finely minced.

Tools You May Need

Baking sheet

Small mixing bowl

Basting brush

How to Make BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Ingredients:

• 1 kg beef short ribs
• ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

Heat oven to 275°F.

Line a baking sheet (or another large baking dish) with a sheet of parchment paper.

Combine all dry seasonings in a small bowl.

Place ribs bone side up close together. Sprinkle with the seasoning mix.

Turn all the ribs over so the meatiest side is up and sprinkle generously with the mix. If you want extra flavor, you can also season the sides, but that isn't necessary.

Save any extra seasoning mix for use on any meat, chicken is my favorite.

Spread the ribs out so they aren't touching.

Cover with a small sheet of parchment paper (I do this so the meat isn't touching aluminum foil).

Wrap the sheet tightly with foil so it's well sealed.

Cook for at least 3 hours (can go up to 4 hours).

Remove the top layer of foil and parchment. Brush the ribs all over with your chosen bbq sauce.

Cook again, this time uncovered, for 30 minutes. This will caramelize the bbq sauce. If your sauce is still too saucy for your liking, you can broil the ribs for 1-2 minutes.

If you like saucy BBQ ribs, baste them with another layer of bbq sauce before serving.

Now the best part - dig in!

How to Store BBQ Beef Short Ribs

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warm.

Did you try this recipe? If so, I would really appreciate a 5-star rating and your comments below! Thanks!

Side Dish Ideas

• CRISPY BAKED FRENCH FRIES
• SAUTEED KALE AND SPINACH
• INSTANT POT MUSHROOM RICE
• WARM QUINOA WITH LEMON AND HERBS
• OVEN ROASTED CARROTS AND ASPARAGUS

More Main Dishes

• FRIED CHICKEN WITHOUT FLOUR
• BAKED PESTO SALMON
• NO BAKE SHEPHERD'S PIE
• SPLIT PEA SOUP
• CREAMY CHICKEN WITH SPINACH