These Oven Baked Boneless Beef Ribs are incredibly juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. Using a simple homemade dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce, this no-fuss recipe transforms boneless country-style ribs into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. Perfect for weekend dinners, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving hearty, comfort food straight from the oven.

Oven Baked Boneless Beef Ribs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fall-apart tender ribs baked low and slow
Easy homemade spice rub—no marinating required
No grill needed—all done in the oven
Minimal prep and simple ingredients
Great for feeding a crowd
Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy
Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce
Uses boneless ribs for easy serving
Foolproof cooking method—just season, bake, and sauce
Family-friendly comfort food

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon cumin
4 pounds boneless country-style beef ribs
3 tablespoons water
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Mix the seasoning rub:
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Stir well to blend.
Season the ribs:
Place the boneless ribs in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the spice rub generously on both sides of each rib, pressing lightly to adhere.
Add water and cover:
Pour 3 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake low and slow:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 2½ hours.
Add BBQ sauce:
Remove the foil and brush the tops of the ribs with BBQ sauce. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the ribs are fork-tender.
Optional broil:
For caramelized tops, turn the broiler on high for the last 4–5 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use bone-in ribs: Adjust cooking time slightly and monitor tenderness.
Spicy version: Increase chili powder and red pepper flakes.
Sweet BBQ twist: Add a bit of honey or molasses to the sauce.
Smokier flavor: Use liquid smoke in the seasoning rub or choose a smoky BBQ sauce.
Low-sugar option: Omit brown sugar and use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
Add veggies: Bake with onions, peppers, or potatoes in the dish.
Keto-friendly: Use a low-carb BBQ sauce and reduce or omit the brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked ribs in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps retain texture.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in ribs instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in country-style ribs work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on their size and thickness.

Do I need to marinate the ribs?

No marinating is necessary—the dry rub and long baking time infuse the ribs with plenty of flavor.

Can I use a store-bought BBQ sauce?

Absolutely. Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personal touch.

What type of ribs are best for this recipe?

Boneless country-style beef ribs are ideal. They’re meaty, flavorful, and become tender when slow-cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the ribs ahead and reheat before serving. Just wait to add BBQ sauce until reheating for best texture.

Why do we bake at such a low temperature?

Low and slow baking helps break down connective tissue in the meat, making the ribs tender and juicy.

What sides go well with these ribs?

Great pairings include mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

What if I don’t have foil?

Foil is essential to trap steam and help tenderize the meat. If you don’t have foil, use a tight-fitting lid or cover the dish with another baking sheet.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs should be fork-tender. You should be able to pull them apart easily with a fork or tongs.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Boneless Beef Ribs are the perfect solution when you want BBQ flavor without the grill. Tender, juicy, and loaded with bold, smoky flavor, they’re a comfort food classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a rich seasoning blend and your favorite sauce, this simple recipe guarantees a delicious, satisfying meal every time.