Barbecue Pork Ribs with Creamy Cheesy Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg Pork ribs (Remove the thin membrane before seasoning)
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 150 ml Ketchup
• 3 tsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Sweet mustard
• 1 tbsp Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar works well)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 0.33 tsp Smoked paprika powder (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 150 g Pasta (short shape, e.g., penne)
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 200 ml Milk
• 1 pinch Nutmeg (Optional, for flavor)
• 70 g Grated cheese (cheddar or similar)
• 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs
• 1 pinch Pinch of salt (for sauce and cheese sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs

   Place the pork ribs on a cutting board, slide a butter knife under the thin silver membrane on the bone side and peel it off completely. Pat the ribs dry and rub them evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and brown sugar.

   Time: PT15M

2. Low‑and‑slow bake the ribs

   Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly in a sheet of aluminum foil, shiny side facing inward, and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 160°C for 2 hours 30 minutes.

   Time: PT2H30M

   Temperature: 160°C

3. Make the barbecue sauce

   While the ribs are in the oven, combine ketchup, soy sauce, sweet mustard, vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika and honey in a saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (5‑7 minutes).

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: medium heat

4. Cook the pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the package instructions (usually about 8 minutes total). Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

5. Prepare the cheese sauce

   In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, add a pinch of nutmeg and salt, and simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. If too thick, stir in a few spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: medium heat

6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce

   Return the drained pasta to the pot, pour the cheese sauce over it, add the grated cheese and toss until everything is evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

7. Bake the pasta casserole

   Transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top, and bake at 200°C for 15 minutes, or until the surface is golden and bubbling.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 200°C

8. Glaze and finish the ribs

   Remove the ribs from the foil, discard excess liquid, brush them generously with the prepared barbecue sauce, and return to the oven. Bake at 220°C for 12 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and slightly charred.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: 220°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories

950

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

45 g

Fiber

3 g