Name: BBQ Ribs with Baked Mac & Cowboy Beans
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Ribs:; 2 racks beef ribs (halal); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce (halal); For the Baked Mac & Cheese:; 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups milk (warm); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping); For the Cowboy Beans:; 3 cups baked beans (canned or homemade); ½ lb ground beef (halal); ½ cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp mustard; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional Side:

Description

These BBQ Ribs with Baked Mac & Cowboy Beans deliver the ultimate comfort food combo. Tender, juicy ribs glazed in sweet-smoky BBQ sauce are paired with creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and hearty cowboy beans loaded with beef and smoky flavor — the perfect Southern-inspired meal for any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:
2 racks beef ribs (halal)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (halal)
For the Baked Mac & Cheese:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk (warm)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
For the Cowboy Beans:
3 cups baked beans (canned or homemade)
½ lb ground beef (halal)
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp mustard
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Side:
Deviled eggs with paprika for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Ribs: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat ribs dry and remove the membrane if needed. Rub with olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 2½–3 hours until tender.
Glaze and broil: Remove foil, brush ribs with BBQ sauce, and broil for 3–5 minutes or grill until caramelized and sticky. Set aside to rest before slicing.
Make the Baked Mac & Cheese: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Combine with macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs (if using), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Prepare the Cowboy Beans: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Stir in baked beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Assemble & Serve: Plate the tender BBQ ribs with a scoop of baked mac and cowboy beans on the side. Garnish with parsley and enjoy a true BBQ feast!

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, finish ribs on a grill over medium heat for 5–10 minutes.
Use turkey or plant-based meat in the beans for a lighter version.
Make ahead tip: Cook ribs a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with BBQ sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Dinner, BBQ, Comfort Food
Method: Bake, Broil, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Southern BBQ