"Cheaper by the Dozen" Spareribs

6 servings
1 hr 35 min
This Vintage Charleston recipe for “Cheaper by the Dozen Spare Ribs” came from my “Charleston Receipts” recipe book I bought last year on one of my many visits to this historic favorite destination. I was inspired to make it for a little step back in time, and it turned out to be a most delicious meal. It uses very basic ingredients and easily and quickly comes together for a tasty family meal “on a budget.” This recipe was originally written by Mrs. Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr (Elizabeth Cauthen) and I’ve created step-by-step photo instructions in my own words. This recipe is for 6 servings.


For the FULL recipe with step-by-step photo instructions and printable recipe card, visit:  www.inspirationapron.com

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs. spareribs or meaty pork ribs
  • 2 onions, sliced (I used yellow)
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 cup catsup
  • 3/4 cup water

(NOTE: You can use beef or pork spareribs)

Preheat oven to 350℉ / 176℃. Cut ribs into large serving size pieces and lay flat on side of a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Scatter sliced onions over top of meat.

Add remaining ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together to make a sauce.

Pour sauce evenly over top of meat, then cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. You will want to baste occasionally, turning spareribs over once or twice.


Remove foil the last 15 minutes to brown ribs. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serve this fall-off-the-bone meat with your favorite sides, but I must insist one of them be mashed potatoes. Two reasons: they go wonderfully with ribs and also because the rib juices, when poured over the mashed potatoes, are AMAZING! 😋

You can easily prep this the day before or morning of, by slicing onions and preparing sauce ahead of time and storing both in the fridge until needed.

"Cheaper by the Dozen" Spareribs
Recipe details
  • 6  servings
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 90 Minutes Total time: 1 hr 35 min
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Ingredients

  • 3-4 lbs. spareribs or meaty pork ribs
  • 2 onions, sliced (I used yellow)
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 cup catsup
  • 3/4 cup water
Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉ / 176℃.
Cut ribs into large serving size pieces and lay flat on side of a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Scatter sliced onions over top of meat.
Add remaining ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together to make a sauce.
Pour sauce evenly over top of meat, then cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. You will want to baste occasionally, turning spareribs over once or twice. Remove foil the last 15 minutes to brown ribs.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Tips
  • You can easily prep this the day before or morning of, by slicing onions and preparing sauce ahead of time and storing both in the fridge until needed.
Julie | Inspiration Apron
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Comments
  • Lori Lori on May 21, 2022

    Can this be done in a slow cooker? If so what temp and how long can you pls let me know? Thanks,

    Little rags


    • Absolutely! I would suggest adding 1 cup liquid to bottom of crockpot before adding meat. You could use a beef broth, water mixed with worchesire sauce or vinegar or a beer. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. (You can optionally sear the ribs before adding to the crockpot to caramelize and add more depth of flavor.) Thanks so much for the question Lori, enjoy!😊

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