The Best Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs
Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Barbara
While many believe making a great rack of ribs requires a backyard smoker and hours of tending to a fire, I have found that some of the best results can happen right in your oven. St. Louis Style Ribs are the unsung heroes of a soulful dinner, trimmed to perfection and marbled just enough to stay succulent while they slow-roast.
I’m pulling back the curtain on my method for the best oven-baked ribs, a process that turns a few simple ingredients into a fall-off-the-bone masterpiece. This isn’t about complicated techniques; it’s about letting the oven do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the family. Whether you like your ribs dry-rubbed or dripping in your favorite BBQ sauce, this recipe provides the foolproof methods for a dinner that feels like it was made by a true pitmaster. Let’s get some into the oven and see how easy it is to achieve that legendary tenderness at home.
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How to Make St. Louis Style Ribs
St. Louis-style ribs are spare ribs that have been trimmed down to a more uniform rectangular shape. The rib tips, cartilage, and sternum bone are removed, making the ribs flatter and easier to cook evenly. They are usually meatier than baby back ribs and have a good balance between meat and fat.
The key to making great oven baked St. Louis style ribs in what you put on them and how you cook them. The seasoning I use is a well balanced dry rub that is mixture of both sweet and savory flavors. Seasoning your rack evenly on both sides will ensure a rich flavor once cooked. When cooking your St. Louis ribs the magic comes in allowing the ribs to cook nice and slow. Setting the temperature of your oven to 350°F for 2 hours will allow the ribs to cook evenly and will yield tender and juicy ribs. Finally, after the initial slow bake, crank up your oven temperature to 400°F and cook for another 10 -15 minutes to caramelize the bbq sauce and give your fall of the bone ribs a beautiful finish.
Follow the detailed instructions below and watch the video tutorial to see just how easy it is to make perfect St. Louis Style ribs in the oven.
Watch Me Make the Best St. Louis Style Ribs (Video Tutorial)
Ingredients for St. Louis Ribs
- St. Louis-Style Ribs: St. Louis-style ribs are ideal for baking because they cook evenly and hold up well to long cooking times, resulting in tender, juicy ribs with a rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a sweet, caramel like flavor to the ribs, balancing the savory and spicy elements during cooking. It also helps to create a caramelized crust on the ribs, enhancing both texture and taste.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a mild, sweet, and savory flavor that complements the meatiness of the ribs.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder imparts a robust, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the ribs.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper provides a subtle heat and adds a layer of warmth that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the ribs and the other seasonings. It also helps to tenderize the meat by drawing out moisture, which then reabsorbs during cooking, keeping the ribs juicy and flavorful.
What You Will Need
Step by Step Instructions for St. Louis Ribs
*Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Rub
in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Rib
Ensure your ribs are thoroughly cleaned and dried.Place the rack of ribs on a baking pan lined with aluminum foil.
Generously season both sides of the ribs with the prepared dry rub mixture.
Step 3: Wrap and Bake
Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in the aluminum foil. Transfer the wrapped ribs to the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours.
Step 4: Add Barbecue Sauce to Your St. Louis Ribs
After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Carefully unwrap the ribs and generously brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Return the ribs, uncovered, to the oven. Allow the ribs to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Final Bake
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
What to Eat With Your Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs
St. Louis-style ribs pair well with a variety of classic sides that complement their rich, smoky flavor. One of the best pairings is potato salad, which offers a creamy contrast to the savory ribs. The potato salad balances the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing bite in between the succulent, tender ribs. Baked beans are another excellent choice, adding a sweet flavor that echoes the barbecue essence of the ribs. Their hearty, comforting nature makes them a perfect match, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Adding potato chips brings a delightful crispy texture that contrasts the softness of the ribs, making each bite more interesting. Collard greens are a must-have for those who enjoy a touch of bitterness and earthy flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce on the ribs. Candied yams add a sweet, caramelized element that enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a delicious balance between savory and sweet. Finally, roasted potatoes offer a crispy exterior and soft interior, providing a simple yet flavorful side that complements the ribs without overpowering their taste. Together, these sides create a diverse and flavorful spread that elevates the dining experience.
What to Do With Leftover St. Louis Style Ribs
To store leftover St. Louis-style ribs properly and maintain their flavor and texture first allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing them. Avoid leaving them out for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the ribs from drying out. Place the wrapped ribs in an airtight container and store them in them in the refrigerator for 3 days.
If you want to freeze your ribs, place them in a freezer safe container or freezer bag. The ribs will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
Reheating:
When ready to eat, reheat the ribs in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F) covered with foil to maintain their moisture. You can also add barbecue sauce before reheating to enhance the flavor. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the grill, though the oven method typically yields the best results.
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The Best Oven Baked St. Louis Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack St. Louis-style ribs
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- Barbecue sauce (your preferred brand)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, f onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Ensure your ribs are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- Place the rack of ribs on a baking pan lined with aluminum foil.
- Generously season both sides of the ribs with the prepared dry rub mixture.
- Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in the aluminum foil.
- Transfer the wrapped ribs to the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C).
- Carefully unwrap the ribs and generously brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Return the ribs, uncovered, to the oven.
- Allow the ribs to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.
