Dutch Oven Barbecue Ribs Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Pork
Cuisine: American
Rating: ★★★★★ (9 reviews)
Description:
This Dutch Oven Barbecue Ribs recipe is a true comfort food delight that combines savory flavors with tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness. Using a Dutch oven (or any heavy covered pan), this dish allows the ribs to simmer in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for both indoor cooking and campsite gatherings, this recipe gives you the flexibility to use a standard oven or even cook over hot coals. Serve it with soft dinner rolls or cornbread to make the meal complete.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 5 (medium-sized, chopped) |
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Dry Mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Tabasco Sauce | 1/3 tsp |
| Liquid Smoke | 2 tsp |
| Pork Ribs (baby back or spare ribs) | 1 rack (approximately 3-4 pounds) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1572.1 |
| Fat Content | 112.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 41.6g |
| Cholesterol | 445.8mg |
| Sodium | 1745.5mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44.4g |
| Fiber | 0.8g |
| Sugars | 39.5g |
| Protein | 94.1g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base:
Begin by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook them until they become soft and translucent. This will take about 5 minutes. -
Create the Sauce:
Once the onions are cooked, add the ketchup, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Tabasco sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce should thicken slightly and become fragrant as the flavors meld. -
Add the Ribs:
Carefully add the rack of ribs to the Dutch oven. Coat the ribs with the sauce, making sure they are evenly covered. If your ribs are too large to fit in one piece, you can cut them into smaller sections that fit comfortably in the pot. -
Slow Cook the Ribs:
Once the ribs are covered with the sauce, place the lid on the Dutch oven. If you’re using a traditional oven, preheat it to 250°F (120°C). Place the Dutch oven in the oven and let the ribs cook slowly for 2-3 hours. Check the ribs occasionally to ensure they are cooking evenly and tenderizing in the sauce.For Cooking Over Charcoal: If you’re preparing these ribs at the campsite, arrange 10 charcoals beneath the Dutch oven and 14 charcoals on top, maintaining a steady temperature of 160°F. This slow-cook method will help achieve the same tender results as the oven.
-
Finish and Serve:
After 2-3 hours, the ribs should be tender and fully cooked. You can check the doneness by inserting a fork into the meat – it should slide in easily, and the ribs should be falling off the bone. Once done, remove the Dutch oven from the heat source and let the ribs rest for a few minutes.Serve the ribs hot, drizzled with the sauce from the pot. Pair with your favorite sides, such as cornbread or soft dinner rolls, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Flavor Adjustments: You can tweak the sauce to suit your preferences. For a sweeter version, add more brown sugar, or for an extra kick, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce.
- Cooking Over Coals: If you’re using a Dutch oven over an open flame or charcoal, check the temperature periodically. You want to maintain a consistent low heat to avoid burning the sauce.
- Leftovers: These ribs reheat beautifully and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and they’ll taste almost as good as when freshly made.
Enjoy this mouthwatering Dutch Oven Barbecue Ribs recipe, perfect for a cozy family dinner or outdoor cooking adventure!
