Kansas City-Style Ribs

Total Time:Prep: 10 min. + chilling Grill: 1 hour 25 min.

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Updated on Jul. 18, 2023

Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin


Test Kitchen Tips
  • Ask your butcher for well-marbled country-style ribs to ensure they stay beautifully moist during this longer cook time. Leaner cuts tend to dry out.
  • Make a big batch of this dry rub, and keep a canister in your cabinet for spur-of-the-moment grilling. It also tastes great on chicken.
  • Get creative with your sauce; it's very flexible. Love mustard? Increase it. If you're a fan of fruity sauce, add some cherry or apricot jam. Or kick up the spice. The possibilities are endless.
  • Watch How to Make Kansas City-Style Ribs

    TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

    Kansas City-Style Ribs

    Yield:12 servings
    Prep:10 min
    Cook:1 hour 25 min

    Ingredients

    • 1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons each garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika
    • 1-1/4 teaspoons each ground cumin, coarsely ground pepper and cayenne pepper
    • 12 bone-in country-style pork ribs (about 7 pounds)
    • sauce:
      • 2 tablespoons canola oil
      • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
      • 1 cup tomato sauce
      • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
      • 1/4 cup ketchup
      • 1/4 cup molasses
      • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
      • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
      • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
      • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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    Directions

    1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and seasonings; sprinkle over ribs. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour.
    2. For sauce, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5-6 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
    3. Wrap ribs in a large piece of heavy-duty foil; seal edges of foil. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat until ribs are tender, 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours.
    4. Carefully remove ribs from foil. Place ribs over direct medium heat; baste with some of the sauce. Grill, covered, until browned, 8-10 minutes, turning and basting occasionally with remaining sauce.
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