Easy Fall Off the Bone Oven-Baked Ribs

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### **Instructions for Easy Fall Off the Bone Oven-Baked Ribs:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to **300°F (150°C)**. This low and slow cooking temperature is key to making sure the ribs come out tender and juicy.

2. **Prepare the Ribs:**
Remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat. If your ribs still have the **membrane** (the thin layer of connective tissue on the back of the ribs), remove it by gently sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with your hands or a paper towel. Removing the membrane allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively and helps the ribs cook evenly.

3. **Season the Ribs:**
Rub the ribs with a thin layer of **olive oil** to help the seasonings stick. Then, generously season both sides of the ribs with **salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder**, and **brown sugar**. For an added depth of flavor, sprinkle on some **dried thyme**. You can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preferences. Massage the rub into the meat, ensuring every surface is covered.

4. **Wrap the Ribs in Foil:**
Place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down. Cover the ribs with another piece of foil, sealing the edges tightly to lock in moisture. This creates a steam effect that keeps the ribs moist while they bake.

5. **Bake the Ribs:**
Place the ribs in the preheated oven and bake for **2.5 to 3 hours**. The low heat will allow the ribs to slowly become tender, while the seasoning infuses the meat with flavor. If you like your ribs extra tender, you can cook them for a bit longer. You can check the tenderness by gently pulling at the meat with a fork—it should easily separate from the bone.

6. **Finish with Barbecue Sauce:**
After the ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and discard the top piece of foil. Brush a generous layer of **barbecue sauce** over the top of the ribs. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own for a personalized touch. Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional **20-30 minutes** to allow the sauce to set and caramelize on the ribs. If you like a bit of char, you can broil the ribs for a few minutes at the end, but be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning the sauce.

7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into individual portions. Serve with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. The result will be tender, juicy ribs with a perfectly caramelized sauce.

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### **Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Ribs:**

– **Use Low and Slow Heat:** The secret to tender ribs is cooking them at a low temperature for a long time. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in that delicious, fall-off-the-bone texture.

– **Don’t Skip the Foil:** Wrapping the ribs in foil during the first stage of baking helps lock in moisture and steam the meat, ensuring it stays tender. You can also use heavy-duty foil for an extra seal.

– **Customize the Sauce:** Feel free to customize the barbecue sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce. For a sweeter version, increase the amount of brown sugar or honey in the sauce.

– **Rest the Ribs:** Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring they stay juicy when you slice into them.

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### **Why These Oven-Baked Ribs are a Winner:**

**Easy Fall Off the Bone Oven-Baked Ribs** are a game-changer when it comes to cooking ribs at home. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and produce tender, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these ribs will make you feel like a grill master without ever having to fire up the barbecue.

With the perfect balance of smoky, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, these ribs will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday meal, or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, these ribs are sure to steal the show. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate of ribs that’s fall-off-the-bone delicious!