Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Spiced Rub
Slow oven-baked beef short ribs coated in a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and a warm spiced rub for tender, flavorful meat. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 195 minutes pairs pounds beef short ribs, tablespoon kosher salt, teaspoons smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to create a spiced rub.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 pounds beef short ribs with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the ribs.
- Step 3: Arrange the ribs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake uncovered for 2 hours to render fat and develop flavor.
- Step 4: Remove the ribs from the oven and brush generously with 1 cup BBQ sauce on all sides.
- Step 5: Cover the ribs tightly with foil and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 1 hour at 300°F until the ribs are tender and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Step 6: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Spiced Rub take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Spiced Rub?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef short ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Spiced Rub?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Spiced Rub for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oven-Baked BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Spiced Rub?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
