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Beef Back Ribs Recipe 7 Easy Ways to Make Them Juicy

Beef Back Ribs Recipe

Chef Ellie
Try this delicious beef back ribs recipe for tender, juicy ribs! Perfect for grilling or baking, it’s a simple, flavorful dish your family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of beef back ribs about 3–4 lbs each
  • 2 tbsp olive oil helps the seasoning stick

Dry Rub: (for bold, smoky flavor)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar adds a touch of caramelized sweetness
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika for deep, smoky richness
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat

Optional Marinade: (for extra tenderness and moisture)

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar breaks down the meat fibers
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard helps the flavors bind
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup balances out acidity

For Cooking & Basting:

  • 1 cup beef broth keeps the ribs moist during cooking
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tbsp butter for basting in the final stage

Instructions
 

Prep the Ribs

  • Remove the membrane – Flip the ribs over and use a knife to loosen the thin membrane on the bone side. Grab it with a paper towel and pull it off for better seasoning absorption.
  • Pat dry and season – Use paper towels to pat the ribs dry, then rub them with olive oil. Generously coat them with the dry rub, making sure to cover all sides. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Choose Your Cooking Method

  • Oven-Baked Method (Easy & Foolproof)
  • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Arrange the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil, with the bone side facing down.
  • Pour beef broth into the pan for moisture, then tightly cover with foil.
  • Bake for 2.5–3 hours until the meat is tender.
  • Remove the foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–7 minutes for a caramelized finish.
  • Grilled Method (Smoky & Charred)
  • Preheat your grill to 275°F (135°C) for indirect heat cooking.
  • Place the ribs bone-side down, away from direct flames.
  • Cook covered for 2.5–3 hours, basting occasionally with beef broth.
  • In the last 30 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and move them to direct heat for a delicious char.
  • Smoker Method (Ultimate BBQ Flavor)
  • Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add hickory or mesquite wood chips.
  • Smoke the ribs bone-side down for about 5 hours, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour to keep them moist.
  • During the last hour, wrap them in foil with a bit of butter and beef broth for extra tenderness.
  • Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and smoke for another 30 minutes to set the glaze.
  • Slow Cooker Method (Set & Forget)
  • Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker, meat-side up.
  • Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over them.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until fork-tender.
  • Transfer to a baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize.

Rest & Serve

  • Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into them. This helps retain the juices.
  • Slice between the bones and serve with your favorite BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
  • Now, get ready to enjoy fall-off-the-bone beef back ribs that are packed with flavor and cooked just the way you like them!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Potassium: 380mg