Quick Description
These High-Protein BBQ Beef Back Ribs are slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy homemade barbecue sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard, this recipe delivers bold flavor and serious comfort in every bite.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2½ – 3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours
Ingredients List
Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vinegar
- 2 tbsp prepared mustard
- 1 tbsp salt
Meat
- 2 pounds beef back ribs
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Make the BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Water
- Ketchup
- Tomato paste
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Mustard
- Salt
Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Ribs
Place ribs in a baking dish or roasting pan. Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the ribs and coat well.
4. Bake Low & Slow
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2½ hours until meat is very tender.
5. Finish with Sauce
Remove foil, pour remaining sauce over ribs, and return to oven uncovered for 20–30 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
6. Serve
Let rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 520
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 24g
Sugar: 30g
Benefits
- High-Protein Meal – excellent for muscle support
- Homemade Sauce – no preservatives
- Tender Texture – slow cooking locks in moisture
- Perfect for Family Dinners & BBQs
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Additional Notes
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- For spicy ribs, add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Can be finished on grill for smoky flavor
- Sauce thickens more as it cools
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Gluten-Free: ✅
Low-Carb: ❌
Keto-Friendly: ❌
Dairy-Free: ✅
Brief Introduction
These ribs are a true comfort classic. The homemade barbecue sauce soaks deep into the meat while slow baking creates unbelievably tender ribs that practically fall apart. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Make BBQ sauce
- Coat ribs
- Bake covered 2½ hours
- Uncover and glaze
- Bake 30 more minutes
- Rest and serve
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Beef Back Ribs:
Can substitute pork ribs or short ribs.
Brown Sugar:
Use honey or maple syrup if preferred.
Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar works best but white vinegar is fine.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Honey BBQ ribs
- Spicy BBQ ribs
- Smoky ribs (add liquid smoke)
Serve With
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Garlic bread
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: 4 days
Freeze: 2 months
Reheat: oven covered with foil
FAQs
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW 7–8 hours.
Can I grill them?
Yes, bake first then finish on grill.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, reduce to ½ cup for lighter sauce.
Optional Personal Story
This is my go-to rib recipe when I want guaranteed success. The sauce always gets compliments and the ribs never last long.
