Italian oven ribs and potatoes served hot on a plate with roasted garlic and fresh rosemary

Italian Oven Ribs and Potatoes Recipe | Easy Weekend Comfort Food

Introduction

There is something special about weekend cooking. It does not need to be fancy or complicated. The best weekend dinners are the ones that let you slow down, breathe, and let the oven do the work.

This Italian dish, Costine e patate al forno, simply means “ribs and potatoes baked in the oven”. It is a classic comfort meal often made in Italian homes on weekends. Families gather around the table while the aroma of garlic, rosemary, and roasted meat slowly fills the house.

I made this recipe because I love meals that feel effortless yet satisfying. With just a few ingredients and almost no active cooking time, this dish teaches something important: good food does not have to be complicated.

By the end of this recipe, you will learn how to season ribs properly, how to get tender meat with minimal effort, and how a splash of white wine can completely change the aroma of a dish.

If you are looking for a simple weekend dinner that warms the table and slows down time just a little, this one is for you.

Ingredients

  • Pork spare ribs — 600–800 g
    Use individual rib pieces. Do not cut further.
  • Potatoes — 2–3 medium
    Keep the skin on. Cut into wedges or thick slices.
  • Garlic — 2–3 cloves
    Lightly crush with skin on or slice.
  • Fresh rosemary — a few sprigs
    Dried rosemary (about 1 tsp) also works.
  • Olive oil — 2–3 tbsp
    Drizzle over the ribs and potatoes.
  • Dry white wine — 50 ml (optional)
    Adds aroma and moisture. Can be skipped if unavailable.
  • Salt and black pepper — To taste
    Season generously before baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

Step 2: Season the ribs

Rub the ribs with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Prep the potatoes

In a separate bowl, coat the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Keeping the skin on gives extra flavor and texture.

Step 4: Arrange and bake

Place the ribs skin-side up on a baking tray. Spread the potatoes around them and scatter garlic and rosemary. Cover with foil and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Step 5: Add wine and finish

Remove the foil and pour a splash of white wine over everything. Bake for another 10 minutes until golden and aromatic.

Tips

  • Leave the potato skins on for extra flavor and crispiness
  • Covering with foil first keeps the ribs tender inside
  • White wine adds aroma and helps the meat stay juicy
  • Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the flavors settle

Watch the Full Recipe on YouTube!

For a step-by-step video tutorial, check out my YouTube channel:

Let me know if you tried this recipe. Do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more home cooking inspiration.


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