Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs (Just 3 Ingredients!)

(Ridiculously Tender, Sticky, and So Easy—The Secret Is in the Technique!)

I’ve been making these oven baked St. Louis style ribs every month for over a decade—because my kids won’t let me stop. It doesn’t matter if it’s game night, a lazy Sunday, or just a random Tuesday. Someone always asks, and honestly? I don’t blame them. These ribs are that good—fall-off-the-bone tender, sticky with just the right amount of sauce, and loaded with deep, caramelized flavor.

The best part? They’re ridiculously easy. No overnight marinade, no fussy prep—just three ingredients, one simple method, and a little patience. But don’t mistake simple for boring. These ribs turn out glossy, smoky-sweet, and practically melt in your mouth. Every time I serve them, I get the same reaction: “Wait, that’s it?” Yep. And once you make them, you’ll get it too.

The secret? Layering the BBQ sauce. Instead of drowning the ribs in sauce all at once, we build it up in thin coats, letting each layer bake into a perfect, lacquered finish. It takes a little patience, but trust me—it’s what makes these ribs ridiculously good. And the best part? They’re so easy, my teens make them now.

Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs

Perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone St. Louis-style ribs don’t have to be complicated. The key? Low and slow roasting in aluminum foil, which traps moisture and ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Unlike ribs that are drowned in sauce upfront, layered brushing every 10 minutes builds a rich, caramelized crust—the kind you get at your favorite BBQ joint.

No complicated prep, no long marinades—just simple, tried-and-true oven baked ribs with a foolproof method that delivers every time. Whether you’re a weekend griller or a total beginner, these ribs come out tender, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized.

Why These Easy Oven BBQ Ribs Are Perfect for Teens to Make

If you have older kids or teens, this is a great patience-building recipe to hand off to them. The cooking process is simple, but it teaches them how to follow steps—low and slow roasting, brushing the sauce, and knowing when ribs are done. They’ll be proud of their work, and you get a break from cooking (win-win).

The Only 3 Ingredients You Need for the Best Oven Baked St. Louis Ribs

• 1 rack St. Louis-style ribs (or baby back ribs, if you prefer)
• 1–2 tbsp seasoning salt (I love Slap Ya Mama, but kosher salt, garlic powder, or onion powder works.)
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce (your favorite BBQ sauce, or a homemade barbecue sauce.

Optional Flavor Boosts:

• A few drops of liquid smoke for a slow-smoked taste.
• A homemade spice rub with a fair amount of sugar for extra caramelization.
• A thin layer of yellow mustard before seasoning (acts as a binder).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the thin membrane (silver skin) from the back side of the ribs using a butter knife and paper towel(this helps grip it).
2. Season the meaty side and back of the ribs generously.
3. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 275°F for 2.5 to 3 hours until fork-tender. (Cooking time depends on rib thickness.)
5. Increase oven temp to 350°F (or 375°F for faster caramelization).
6. Brush on a thin layer of BBQ sauce and bake for 10-15 minutes until it looks dry.
7. Repeat brushing and baking every 10 minutes, three times total—this step makes all the difference!
8. On the final round, turn the oven to high heat and broil for 1-2 minutes for that sticky, caramelized finish. (Watch closely—BBQ sauce burns fast!)

How to Tell When the Ribs Are Done

✔ The back of the ribs have shrunk, exposing the bones.
✔ When you open the aluminum foil, you should see a fair amount of liquid pooling in the bottom.
✔ If you grab a bone and wiggle it, it should move easily.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs are my favorite way to feed a crowd on game day or when I just want an easy oven dinner with no fuss.

Favorite Side Dishes:

• The Very Best Potato Salad
• My Favorite Summer Potato Salad
• Coleslaw
• Tajin Grilled Corn
• Sweet Potato Wedges – Our favorite easy air fryer version

Final Tips For The BEST and Easiest BBQ Ribs

Want extra sticky ribs? Brush on one last coat of homemade barbecue sauce right before serving.
Like a smoky kick? Add liquid smoke or mix hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.
Make extra! These ribs disappear fast, and doubling the batch is the easiest way to make sure you have leftovers.

That’s it! The easiest rib recipe with fall-off-the-bone results every single time.

Now go make the best BBQ ribs ever—and let your teens take over the cooking!

recipe:

Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs (Just 3 Ingredients!)

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We make these St. Louis-style ribs all the time—they’re that good. Slow-roasted for juicy tenderness, then brushed with layers of BBQ sauce for the ultimate sticky, caramelized crust. So easy, even my teens can make them.

• Author: Anca Toderic
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American, BBQ

Ingredients

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• • 1 rack St. Louis-style ribs (or baby back ribs, if you prefer)
  • 1–2 tablespoons Seasoning Salt (I love Slap Ya Mama, but kosher salt, garlic powder, or onion powder works.)
  • 1 bottle Barbecue Sauce 

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Instructions

1. 1. Place the ribs meat-side down. Using a butter knife, gently loosen the thin silver skin membrane from the back of the ribs. Grab it with a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off completely. Removing this helps the seasoning penetrate better and makes the ribs more tender.

   2. Generously season both the meaty side and back of the ribs with your favorite dry rub. Press the seasoning in to ensure it adheres well.

   3. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 275°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender. Cooking time may vary depending on rib thickness.

   4. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Remove the foil and discard any juices. Brush a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs and return them to the oven.

   5. Every 10 minutes, brush on another layer of BBQ sauce and bake, repeating this three times total. This gradual layering builds deep flavor and a sticky, caramelized crust.

   6. For the last step, turn the oven to high broil and let the ribs cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the sauce caramelizes and becomes slightly charred. Watch closely—BBQ sauce can burn quickly.

   7. Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and enjoy.

Keywords: St. Louis ribs, oven-baked ribs, BBQ ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs, easy ribs recipe, baked ribs recipe, family-friendly ribs, caramelized BBQ ribs, slow-roasted ribs, homemade BBQ ribs