When it comes to big flavor and meaty satisfaction, ribs and prime rib bring it every time. From slow-cooked and smoked to air-fried and oven-roasted, this list covers every method for getting tender, juicy results. You’ll find sticky glazes, savory crusts, smoky finishes, and rich braises that make the most of beef and pork. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or a cozy dinner at home, these dishes show how versatile and mouthwatering ribs and rib roasts can be.

Braised Short Ribs

Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These ribs simmer low and slow in a rich broth of wine, garlic, and herbs. The meat turns buttery-soft and full of deep, beefy flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a complete meal. The sauce thickens as it cooks and coats each bite.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Wrapped in foil, these ribs bake until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. A dry rub or barbecue sauce can be added before sealing to lock in flavor. The foil traps moisture, making them juicy every time. Finish them under the broiler for a crispy edge.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut with a fork.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Pork ribs cook slowly with tangy sauerkraut and simple seasonings. The sauerkraut mellows and soaks up the pork juices. It’s a rustic, old-world dish with bold flavor and minimal effort. Serve with boiled potatoes or rye bread.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Using pressure cooking, these ribs go from start to finish in under an hour. They stay tender and juicy, with a texture close to slow-cooked. A quick broil at the end caramelizes the sauce. It’s a fast way to get full flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Herb Crusted Prime Rib

Herb Crusted Prime Rib. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

This roast gets coated in garlic, rosemary, and thyme before roasting to a juicy, pink center. The crust forms a flavorful edge that locks in the juices. It’s ideal for holidays or dinner guests. Slice thick and serve with au jus or horseradish sauce.
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Prime Rib

Beef Short Rib Ragu

Beef Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Short ribs braise until they fall apart into a tomato and red wine sauce. The rich ragu is perfect for tossing with pasta or layering in lasagna. It’s thick, meaty, and full of slow-cooked depth. The kind of sauce that clings to every noodle.
Get the Recipe: Beef Short Rib Ragu

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce with hoisin and five spice. They roast until slightly charred, with a sticky glaze. Slice them thin and serve with rice or noodles. They’re bold, flavorful, and easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs – Summer BBQ Favourite

Three pieces of grilled ribs are stacked on a plate, with a bowl of mashed potatoes and more ribs on a wooden board in the background—a perfect choice for all-season recipes.
Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs – Summer BBQ Favourite. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These ribs smoke low and slow with a dry rub until they’re deeply flavored and tender. The bark forms on the outside while the inside stays juicy. Perfect for cookouts or weekend grilling. They’re packed with smoky goodness and a bit of spice.
Get the Recipe: Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs – Summer BBQ Favourite

Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

Oven-baked pork ribs with a tasty dry rub seasoning.
Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This oven method uses a homemade dry rub for flavor without the mess of sauce. The ribs cook low and slow, building a crust on the outside. It’s an easy way to get classic rib flavor with just a few ingredients. Add sauce at the end or leave them as-is.
Get the Recipe: Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

How to Cook a Prime Rib

Cooked prime rib on a wooden cutting board.
How to Cook a Prime Rib. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This step-by-step method walks through seasoning, roasting, and slicing a juicy prime rib. The result is a tender roast with a crispy outer crust. Timing and temperature are key. It’s a straightforward way to get steakhouse results at home.
Get the Recipe: How to Cook a Prime Rib

BBQ Rib Potato Salad

BBQ Rib Potato Salad on a light blue plate with a salad and ribs.
BBQ Rib Potato Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This twist on classic potato salad adds shredded barbecue rib meat for smoky flavor. The dressing blends with the meat for a rich, creamy finish. Serve it warm or cold. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Rib Potato Salad

Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of cooked baby back ribs on parchment, garnished with chopped parsley.
Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These pork ribs are smaller and more tender than spare ribs, making them quick to cook. They’re easy to coat in sauce and finish on the grill. The bones pull clean when they’re done right. A go-to for rib night.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs

Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Pineapple juice and soy sauce create a sweet-salty glaze for these slow-cooked ribs. They turn tender over hours of cooking, soaking up every drop of flavor. Finish under the broiler if you want a caramelized top. It’s tropical, savory, and rich.
Get the Recipe: Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beer braised short ribs on a plate on top of a bed of mashed potatoes.
Beer Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These ribs simmer in dark beer with garlic, onions, and herbs. The beer reduces into a sauce that’s perfect over mashed potatoes. The meat breaks apart easily with a fork. Great for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Cooked spare ribs with a dark glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, served on a white plate.
12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This classic Chinese recipe uses just five ingredients in equal parts. The ribs simmer until they’re coated in a shiny, flavorful glaze. It’s sweet, savory, and simple to remember. Serve with steamed rice and greens.
Get the Recipe: 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak on a white plate with butter, parsley, garlic and asparagus.
Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This steak gets crisp edges and a juicy center thanks to the air fryer. Seasoned simply and cooked in minutes, it’s all about timing. No grill needed. It’s fast, flavorful, and ideal for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Grilled BBQ Short Ribs

Grilled BBQ Short Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These ribs grill up quickly with a caramelized barbecue glaze. The meat is juicy with just the right amount of char. Serve with grilled vegetables or corn on the cob. They’re a backyard favorite for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Short Ribs

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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