Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Ribs

About These Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Ribs

These BBQ ribs are slow-cooked at a low temperature until the meat becomes unbelievably tender and literally falls off the bone. A smoky-sweet homemade barbecue sauce takes them to the next level, and finishing them under the broiler creates that perfect caramelized, sticky glaze. They’re easy, foolproof, and always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Truly fall-apart tender texture

• Simple dry rub with pantry spices

• Homemade BBQ sauce that’s rich, sweet, smoky, and tangy

• Oven-only method — no smoker needed

• Hands-off cooking for 5+ hours

• Perfect for cookouts, holidays, and hosting

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ribs + Dry Rub

• Baby back ribs

• Kosher salt

• Brown sugar

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Black pepper

• Cumin

• Chili powder

• Beef broth

• Apple juice

BBQ Sauce

• Ketchup

• Brown sugar

• Apple cider vinegar

• Honey

• Molasses

• Worcestershire sauce

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper

How to Make It

Remove the membrane from the ribs and coat them generously with a dry rub. Place in a roasting pan with broth and apple juice, cover tightly, and bake low and slow until fall-apart tender. Simmer together a homemade BBQ sauce. Brush the ribs with sauce and broil until glossy and caramelized. Slice and serve with extra sauce.

Tips for Success

• Removing the membrane helps the rub penetrate

• Don’t rush the cook time — low and slow = tender

• Keep the liquid under the ribs, not touching

• Check tenderness by lifting a bone; it should wiggle freely

• Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning

• Double the sauce if you like extra for serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finish the ribs on the grill instead of broiling?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat 5–8 minutes until caramelized.

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back?
Yes, but increase baking time by 1–2 hours.

Can I make the ribs ahead?
Yes. Cook fully, then reheat with sauce under broiler or on grill.

Can I make the BBQ sauce sweeter or spicier?
Absolutely — add cayenne, hot sauce, or more honey.

What to Serve With BBQ Ribs

• Coleslaw

• Caesar Salad

• Baked beans

• Candied Bacon & Eggs Smashed Potato Salad

• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

• Panzanella Salad

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Smoked BBQ Ribs

• Crockpot BBQ Ribs

• Pigs in a Blanket

• Chicken Spiedini

• Grilled Beef Gyros

• BBQ Beans Grilled Hot Dogs

• In-N-Out Double Double Animal Style Burger

• Chicken Spiedini aka Lemon Butter Chicken

Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Ribs

Yield:

2 racks (4–6 servings)

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 2 racks baby back ribs

• 2 tbsp kosher salt

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup apple juice

For the BBQ Sauce

• 1 ½ cups ketchup

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp honey

• 3 tbsp molasses

• 1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Ribs

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.

2. Flip ribs over and remove the thin membrane from the back (use a paper towel for grip). This helps the seasoning penetrate and improves tenderness.

3. Mix salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.

4. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.

2. Slow Cook the Ribs

1. Place ribs meaty side up in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet.

2. Pour the beef broth and apple juice into the bottom of the pan — do not let the liquid touch the ribs.

3. Tightly cover the pan with foil.

4. Bake 5–6 hours, or until the ribs are extremely tender, the bones move freely, and the meat is visibly pulling away from the ends.

   • Do not err on the side of “too early” — long cooking breaks down collagen and gives true fall-off-the-bone texture.

3. Make the BBQ Sauce

1. While ribs cook, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until glossy and slightly thickened.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Sauce & Caramelize

1. When ribs are done, remove foil and raise oven rack to the second-from-top position.

2. Heat oven to broil.

3. Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce.

4. Broil 8–10 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce is sticky, glossy, and caramelized.

   • You can also finish them on the grill for a smoky char.

5. Serve

1. Let ribs rest a few minutes.

2. Slice between bones.

3. Serve with any extra BBQ sauce on the side.

4. Enjoy the most tender, fall-apart ribs of your life.