Make your weekends delicious with recipes that finish with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. From marinades to slow-cooking techniques, each dish delivers rich flavor and juicy meat. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or weekend feasts, these recipes maximize taste and satisfaction. Celebrate the weekend with meals that feel indulgent yet approachable. Enjoy ribs that are flavorful, tender, and unforgettable.

Instant Pot Short Ribs

Instant Pot Short Ribs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs are ready in a fraction of the usual time thanks to the Instant Pot. A quick sear adds depth before pressure cooking transforms the beef into rich, flavorful perfection. The braising liquid and fresh gremolata bring brightness and balance. It’s a dish that tastes restaurant-level without the hours of work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Short Ribs

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

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

Tender, flavorful ribs come together easily with this foil-wrapped oven method that locks in moisture. The low-and-slow heat makes the meat incredibly juicy, perfect for pairing with your favorite sauce. It’s a dependable option whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a simple weekend meal. Great for when you want big BBQ flavor without the grill.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Braised Short Ribs

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

Slow-braised short ribs deliver deep, comforting flavor with minimal hands-on effort. The meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a great choice for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Serve it over mashed potatoes or polenta for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Oven BBQ Ribs

Ribs and a potato on a plate.
Oven BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven BBQ ribs offer tender, juicy meat with a sticky, flavorful glaze—all without firing up the grill. The gentle baked method keeps the ribs moist while allowing the sauce to caramelize beautifully. Ideal for easy weeknight cooking or relaxed weekend meals. A fuss-free way to enjoy classic BBQ flavors indoors.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Country-style ribs become incredibly tender in the slow cooker with almost no effort required. A sweet and tangy blend of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce adds irresistible flavor. It’s a reliable option for busy days when you still want something hearty and comforting. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Ribs and Sauerkraut

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

A slow cooker full of ribs and sauerkraut turns into a hearty, comforting meal with only a handful of ingredients. The flavors meld together beautifully as it simmers, creating tender meat with a tangy, savory kick. It’s effortless to prepare and perfect for busy days. Expect your kitchen to smell amazing as it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs Low Carb, Gluten-Free on foil with a basting brush and bbq sauce.
Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Beef ribs turn unbelievably tender in the Instant Pot, giving you big BBQ flavor without the long cook time. The method produces juicy, fall-off-the-bone results in minutes instead of hours. It’s a convenient option for low-carb and gluten-free diets as well. Perfect for quick, satisfying meals that still feel indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

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.

A well-balanced dry rub transforms oven-baked pork ribs into tender, flavorful perfection. The spices create a savory crust that enhances every bite while keeping the meat juicy. It’s an easy, go-to method for when cravings strike and grilling isn’t an option. Great for reliable, fuss-free rib nights.
Get the Recipe: Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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

Spare ribs become exceptionally tender under pressure, absorbing a savory-sweet hoisin glaze that sets them apart. Finishing under high heat—whether broiler, grill, or air fryer—creates caramelized edges that elevate the dish. It’s a fast but richly flavored way to enjoy ribs at home. Perfect for when you want maximum flavor in minimal time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare 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.

Beer-braised short ribs deliver rich, deep flavor as the beef slowly absorbs the malty, savory notes from the braising liquid. The result is tender meat that feels perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with potatoes or crusty bread. Ideal for nights when you want something warming and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Rib dipped in barbeque sauce in a glass bowl
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Baby back ribs cook to fall-off-the-bone tenderness in under an hour with the Instant Pot. The flavor is bold and satisfying, comparable to ribs from your favorite BBQ spot. A quick finish under the broiler helps caramelize the sauce for that irresistible sticky coating. A reliable, high-impact recipe for weeknights or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back 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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