Best Country Style Beef Ribs Recipe
Experience rich, juicy, and tender country style beef ribs with a perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors. This easy slow-cooked recipe transforms tough ribs into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, ideal for family dinners, cookouts, or any occasion where bold BBQ flavors shine.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (oven) or 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (oven) to 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds country style beef ribs (with marbling for best texture and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Finishing Glaze
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce or 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon honey
Variations (Optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary (for low sodium option)
- 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon mustard (for sweet and tangy glaze)
- Prepare the ribs: Trim any excess fat from the country style beef ribs to avoid flare-ups and chewy bites. Pat the ribs dry thoroughly with paper towels so the seasoning rub adheres well.
- Make the spice rub: In a bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly blended to create a flavorful rub that forms a caramelized crust during cooking.
- Coat the ribs: Drizzle olive oil over the ribs, then generously rub the seasoning mixture all over each piece, ensuring every surface is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Slow cook or bake the ribs: Place the seasoned ribs into a baking dish or slow cooker. For oven baking, cover tightly with foil and cook at 275°F (135°C) for about 3 hours until the ribs are tender and easily pierced. For slow cooker, set on low and cook for 6 to 8 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Optional finishing glaze: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey. Remove any cover and broil briefly or simmer to develop a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Notes
- Don’t rush the cooking process; low and slow heat breaks down connective tissues for tender ribs.
- Always pat ribs dry before seasoning to help the rub adhere and penetrate better.
- Let ribs rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer aiming for an internal temperature around 190°F (88°C) to ensure optimal tenderness.
- When grilling, try adding hickory or apple wood chips for authentic smoky BBQ aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: country style beef ribs, BBQ ribs, slow cooked ribs, tender beef ribs, smoky ribs, sweet and savory ribs