*recipe updated on 6/16/26

These easy oven BBQ ribs are baked until fall-off-the-bone tender, then coated in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce and caramelized for the ultimate sticky, finger-licking finish!

About These Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Ribs

If you've ever ordered ribs at a restaurant only to be disappointed (which is usually my experience), this recipe is for you!! These oven-baked baby back ribs are crazy tender, packed with flavor, and finished with a homemade BBQ sauce that's is sweet & tangy. Best of all, you don't need a smoker or any special equipment to make them- just an oven!

Why You'll Love

Fall-off-the-bone tender every time
No smoker required
Easy, mostly hands-off cooking method
Tangy homemade BBQ sauce
Perfect for summer cookouts, game days, and family dinners
Great for feeding a crowd
Uses simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Ribs

Baby back ribs
Yellow mustard
Kosher salt
Brown sugar
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Cumin
Chili powder

For the BBQ Sauce

Ketchup
Brown sugar
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Molasses
Worcestershire sauce
Yellow mustard
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper

How to Make

Start by removing the membrane from the ribs and coating them with yellow mustard. Season generously with the spice rub, cover tightly with foil, and bake until extremely tender (about 2 hours). While the ribs cook, simmer the homemade BBQ sauce until thick and glossy. Brush the ribs with sauce, then finish them in a hot oven or under the broiler until caramelized and sticky. Let rest briefly before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

Remove the membrane for the most tender ribs.
Cover tightly with foil to keep the ribs moist while baking.
Wait until the ribs are fully tender before saucing.
Broil carefully—the sugars in the sauce can burn quickly.
Let the ribs rest before slicing to help retain juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smoker to make these ribs?
No. These ribs are baked entirely in the oven and still turn out incredibly tender and flavorful.

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, but they may require additional cooking time since they are larger and meatier.

Why do you use mustard on the ribs?
The mustard helps the seasoning stick to the ribs and does not leave a strong mustard flavor after cooking.

How do I know when the ribs are done?
The meat should pull back from the bones and feel extremely tender when pierced with a knife.

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What to Serve With BBQ Ribs

More Recipes You’ll Love

Smoked BBQ Ribs

Fall off the Bone BBQ Ribs Oven Recipe

Yield: 4-6

Author: Amelia is NOT a Chef

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 2 H & 30 MTotal time: 2 H & 45 M

These Fall-Off-The-Bone Oven BBQ Ribs are coated in a smoky spice rub, baked until incredibly tender, then brushed with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce and caramelized under the broiler. No smoker required- just juicy, flavorful ribs with that classic sticky BBQ finish right from your oven.

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Ingredients

Ribs

2 racks baby back ribs
3-4 tablespoons yellow mustard
1½ tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder

BBQ Sauce

1½ cups ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons molasses
1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip. Pat the ribs dry and lightly coat both sides with yellow mustard.
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Season the ribs generously on both sides with the spice rub.
Place the ribs on a large rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, until the meat has pulled back from the bones and the ribs are extremely tender.
While the ribs bake, make the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.
Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully uncover. Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce.
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F or switch the oven to broil. Return the ribs to the oven and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and caramelized. Brush with an additional layer of sauce and broil for 2–3 more minutes, if desired.
Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side and HAVE THE BEST TIME EVER!