BBQ Ribs with Tomato Sauce are tender pork ribs cooked with a tangy tomato-based BBQ sauce. They are perfect for grilling or baking and taste great with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.
I enjoy making these ribs because they make the house smell amazing. My family always asks for seconds—it’s hard to stop nibbling!
For easier eating, I suggest cutting the racks into smaller pieces before serving. It’s great for sharing and keeps every bite flavorful and juicy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby back ribs: The star of the dish, these are tender and meaty. I like to remove the thin membrane for better flavor. If unavailable, pork country-style ribs work well—just adjust cooking time.
Tomato sauce: Provides the base of the sweet and tangy glaze. Use canned tomato sauce for convenience, or tomato puree as a substitute if you want a thicker sauce with a richer taste.
Garlic and onion: These add depth to the sauce. Fresh garlic and onion give the best flavor, but garlic powder and onion powder can be quick swaps if needed. Just use half as much of the powders.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce. Light or dark brown sugar works fine. If you’re out, honey or maple syrup can substitute but use a bit less.
Spices (smoked paprika, chili powder): Bring smoky warmth and a hint of heat. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference. Cayenne pepper can add more heat if desired.
How do I get perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs?
Wrap the ribs tightly in foil to lock in moisture. Bake at 300°F for about 2.5-3 hours. Check doneness by gently tearing the meat with a fork; it should be tender and meat will pull away easily. Avoid rushing this step for best results.
- Wrap ribs in foil after seasoning. This traps steam and keeps the meat moist.
- Bake at a low temperature (around 300°F) for even cooking and tenderness.
- Test with a fork—if it slides in easily and meat pulls away, it’s ready.
- Optional: Finish on the grill or under your broiler for a caramelized glaze.
How to Make BBQ Ribs with Tomato Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs
- 2 racks pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation: 15 minutes, Cooking: 2.5 hours, Rest: 10 minutes. Total: approximately 3 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the thin membrane from the ribs. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the spice mix all over the ribs. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
Combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and onion powder. Mix well. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.
3. Cook the Ribs
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap ribs in foil. Bake for 2 hours until tender. Baste with some tomato sauce during the last 30 minutes.
4. Finish and Serve
Remove ribs from oven. Unwrap and brush with more tomato sauce. Broil for 5 minutes to caramelize. Rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.
