Name: Oven-Baked Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American / BBQ
Ingredients: Ribs (your choice, unstuffed); ⅜ cup (95 ml) ketchup; ⅓ cup (85 ml) smoky BBQ sauce; 3 tablespoons chili powder; ¾ cup (190 ml) maple syrup; 4 tablespoons HP sauce; Paprika (to taste); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste)

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I’ve perfected these Oven-Baked Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs to be tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky-sweet flavor. With a rich glaze made from BBQ sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, and spices, each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s perfect for a comforting, hearty meal.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple ribs into a show-stopping dish with very little fuss. The long boil makes them incredibly tender, while the slow oven baking infuses them with deep, smoky sweetness. I also appreciate that I can customize the spice level to suit my mood, and the sticky glaze makes them just as irresistible as any ribs off the grill. Oven-Baked Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ribs (your choice, unstuffed)
Ketchup (⅜ cup / 95 ml)
Smoky BBQ sauce (⅓ cup / 85 ml)
Chili powder (3 tablespoons)
Maple syrup (¾ cup / 190 ml)
HP sauce (4 tablespoons)
Paprika (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Directions

I begin by placing the ribs in a large pot of water and boiling them for about 1 hour, until tender.
I preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the ketchup, smoky BBQ sauce, chili powder, maple syrup, HP sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to make a rich glaze.
I brush the ribs generously with the sauce, ensuring they’re coated on all sides.
I arrange the ribs in a baking dish and bake for about 40 minutes on one side.
I flip the ribs, brush with more sauce, and bake for another 40 minutes.
Throughout baking, I keep basting the ribs with additional sauce to keep them moist and packed with flavor.
I remove them from the oven and serve hot, with plenty of napkins for that finger-licking goodness.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4–6 portions
Timing:
- Boil: 1 hour
- Bake: 1 hour 20 minutes (40 minutes per side)
- Total: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

I swap maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness.
I add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
I finish the ribs under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for a caramelized crust.
I experiment with different BBQ sauces—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to change the flavor profile.

storage/reheating

I store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven until heated through, or microwave single portions for about 1–2 minutes. They also freeze well—once cooled, I wrap them tightly in foil and place in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless ribs?

Yes, but I keep an eye on the cooking time as boneless ribs may cook faster.

Can I skip the boiling step?

I prefer boiling because it ensures tenderness, but I can slow-bake them longer instead if I want to skip it.

What is HP sauce?

HP sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet British condiment made from malt vinegar, tomatoes, and spices—it adds depth to the glaze.

Can I make them on the grill?

Yes, I can boil them first, then grill over medium heat, basting with sauce until caramelized.

How do I make them stickier?

I bake uncovered and baste often, allowing the glaze to reduce and cling to the ribs.

Conclusion

I think these Oven-Baked Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs are the ultimate comfort food for any rib lover. They’re tender enough to slide right off the bone, with a sticky, smoky-sweet glaze that keeps me coming back for more. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, they never fail to impress.

Oven-Baked Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs

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These Oven-Baked Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a smoky-sweet glaze made with BBQ sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, and spices. Slow-baked after boiling, they deliver melt-in-your-mouth flavor and sticky perfection—ideal for weeknight comfort food or weekend gatherings.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Boiling + Baking
Cuisine: American / BBQ
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Ribs (your choice, unstuffed)
⅜ cup (95 ml) ketchup
⅓ cup (85 ml) smoky BBQ sauce
3 tablespoons chili powder
¾ cup (190 ml) maple syrup
4 tablespoons HP sauce
Paprika (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Boil ribs in a large pot of water for 1 hour until tender.
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, BBQ sauce, chili powder, maple syrup, HP sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush ribs generously with glaze, coating all sides.
Place ribs in a baking dish; bake for 40 minutes on one side.
Flip ribs, brush with more glaze, and bake another 40 minutes.
Baste occasionally during baking to keep ribs moist and flavorful.
Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.