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Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Beef Ribs are juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky, savory flavor. This recipe uses simple pantry staples combined with slow-cooking techniques to create ribs that melt in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners or weekend cookouts, these beef ribs feature a balanced dry rub and BBQ sauce that can be customized to your taste, delivering satisfying layers of flavor and unmatched tenderness.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Ribs

  • 3 to 4 pounds well-marbled beef ribs (back ribs or plate ribs)

BBQ Dry Rub

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or mustard (for rubbing)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for spritzing or marinade)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ribs: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness and better seasoning absorption. Rub olive oil or mustard over the entire surface to help the dry rub stick.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub: Generously rub the prepared BBQ dry rub onto all sides of the ribs, massaging it into the meat. Let the ribs rest with the rub for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight in the refrigerator to maximize flavor.
  3. Low and Slow Cooking: Preheat your oven or smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the ribs on a wire rack inside a roasting pan or directly onto the smoker grate. Cook slowly for 3 to 4 hours, maintaining a steady low temperature to break down connective tissue and achieve tenderness.
  4. Baste and Sauce: Approximately 30 minutes before the ribs are finished, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on both sides. Return the ribs to heat and continue cooking until the sauce caramelizes and the ribs are tender enough to pull apart easily.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your choice of sides and garnishes.

Notes

  • Patience is key: cook ribs low and slow to achieve maximum tenderness.
  • Keep moisture by using a water pan or spritzing the ribs with apple cider vinegar during cooking.
  • Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 190°F to 203°F for perfect tenderness.
  • For extra tenderness, wrap ribs tightly in foil halfway through cooking.
  • Never skip the resting period after cooking to maintain moist, flavorful meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ beef ribs, fall off the bone ribs, slow cooked beef ribs, smoky beef ribs, tender beef ribs, barbecue recipe