Baked Barbecue Ribs

 

This baked barbecue ribs recipe is a family favorite–especially for my sister, Leslie. My Dad always grills beef ribs for special occasions, and they are the best. I decided to make some baked barbecue beef ribs for friends who were coming over for dinner, but instead of grilling them, I baked them low & slow (like my Mom does). I also wanted to make a homemade barbecue sauce, and it turned out tangy, sweet, and a big hit with everyone. The meat fell off the bone and was tender, delicious, and paired nicely with Mom’s potato salad with a twist and a big loaded garden salad.

Baked Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue Sauce:

• 2 slices of bacon, chopped into bits
• 1 tbsp of fresh thyme, chopped
• ½ yellow onion, diced finely
• 4 cloves of garlic, diced finely
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
• 4 cups of ketchup
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• ¼ cup of molasses
• 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp dried mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Ribs:

• 6-7 lbs. of beef ribs (with bone)
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups of water (for  pan)

How to Make Baked Barbecue Ribs

Make the barbecue sauce by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once the bacon is browned, add thyme and onion. Cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft.

Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 30-45 seconds.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Line a roasting pan with foil and coat it with olive oil cooking spray.

Season the ribs evenly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.

Spoon sauce over the ribs (front and back); reserve the extra sauce for basting and serving. Place them in the roasting pan.

Pour 1½ cups of water into the bottom of the pan and cover the roasting pan tightly with foil.

Place in the oven to bake for 3 hours.

Remove the foil and check to see if the roasting pan needs more water. If so, add some, then baste the ribs with a bit more sauce.

Cover the pan tightly again and return to the oven.

Reduce the heat to 225 degrees until ready to serve. I cooked mine for a total of 5 hours, and they were delicious.

Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.  Enjoy.