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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 deliver incredibly tender, juicy meat infused with a deep smoky barbecue flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, weekend cookouts, or any barbecue feast, these ribs are slow-cooked to perfection with a flavorful dry rub, marinated overnight, and finished with a sticky barbecue sauce glaze. Adaptable to smoker, oven, or grill, this recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Ribs

  • Meaty beef ribs with good marbling (about 3-4 pounds)

Dry Rub Spice Mix

  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chili powder

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or mustard (for binding)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of the beef ribs to ensure the rub and smoke fully penetrate the meat, helping achieve maximum tenderness during cooking.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub: Rub a thin layer of olive oil or mustard all over the ribs to act as a binder. Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub spice blend, making sure every part is covered to build rich flavor.
  3. Marinate: Place the coated ribs in the refrigerator and let them rest for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the spices to seep deep into the meat and enhance flavor and tenderness.
  4. Preheat Your Cooking Method: Preheat your smoker, grill, or oven to a low temperature between 225°F to 250°F. Low and slow cooking breaks down the tough connective tissue in the ribs.
  5. Smoke or Cook the Ribs: Arrange the ribs bone side down on the cooking grates. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, maintaining consistent low heat. For oven cooking, wrap the ribs tightly in foil to retain moisture and bake.
  6. Apply Barbecue Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce to create a caramelized, sticky glaze.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from heat and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat that easily pulls off the bone.

Notes

  • Keep the temperature low and consistent to prevent drying out the ribs and maximize tenderness.
  • Patience is key; slow cooking is essential for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Use a water pan in smokers or grills to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
  • Wrapping ribs in foil partway through cooking traps steam and keeps meat juicy.
  • Test doneness by checking if the meat easily pulls away from the bone without resistance.

Nutrition

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