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A Tender and Flavorful Delight

It all started one chilly evening when I craved a hearty, home-cooked meal. I wanted something rich, juicy, and comforting—something that would make my kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant. That’s when I stumbled upon boneless beef ribs recipe. I had tried making them before, but they always turned out too tough or too dry. This time, I was determined to crack the code.

After experimenting with different techniques—slow-cooking, braising, and even pressure cooking—I finally found the perfect boneless beef short ribs recipe. The result? Fork-tender, juicy ribs packed with deep, savory flavors. If you’ve ever struggled with making boneless beef short ribs just right, you’re in the right place.

“Cooking is an art, but mastering boneless beef short ribs is a science—slow and steady wins the race!”

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and why you’ll fall in love with it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this boneless beef short ribs recipe irresistible? Here are a few reasons:

✅ Melt-in-your-mouth texture – When cooked right, boneless beef short ribs become so tender that you won’t even need a knife.

✅ Rich, deep flavors – Slow cooking and braising bring out incredible flavors from the beef, making every bite a delight.

✅ Easy to customize – You can make them spicy, smoky, or even add a sweet glaze—your choice!

✅ Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these short ribs always steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering boneless beef short ribs recipe, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

Boneless beef short ribs
Olive oil
Beef broth
Garlic cloves
Onion
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

Red wine (for deeper flavor)
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Carrots and celery for a classic braise
Smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness

Full ingredient measurements and instructions can be found in the recipe card below!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the best ways to cook boneless beef short ribs. Whether you prefer the slow cooker, oven-braising, or the Instant Pot, I’ll guide you through each method.

How to Prepare the Short Ribs

Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to prep your boneless beef short ribs properly:

1️⃣ Trim excess fat – Too much fat can make the dish greasy, so trim any thick layers.
2️⃣ Pat dry – Dry ribs sear better, locking in that delicious crust.
3️⃣ Season generously – Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices make all the difference.

Best Cooking Methods for Boneless Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Method (Easiest & Most Hands-Off)

“Slow and steady makes the juiciest ribs—patience pays off!”

Sear the ribs – Heat oil in a pan and brown the short ribs on all sides.
Layer ingredients – Add onions, garlic, and optional carrots/celery to the slow cooker.
Add liquid – Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
Set & forget – Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Thicken the sauce – Remove the ribs, simmer the sauce on the stove, and serve!

Oven-Braised Method (Best for Deep Flavor)

“Braising = flavor magic. Low heat, long time, unforgettable taste!”

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Sear the short ribs in an oven-proof pot.
Remove the ribs, sauté onions and garlic.
Deglaze with red wine (optional) and add tomato paste.
Return the ribs, add broth, cover, and braise for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Instant Pot Method (Quickest & Most Efficient)

Sear the ribs using the “Sauté” function.
Add garlic, onions, and tomato paste.
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Seal the lid and pressure cook for 50 minutes on high.
Let the pressure release naturally, then enjoy!

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Boneless Short Ribs

A great dish deserves perfect pairings! Here are some side dishes that complement boneless beef short ribs beautifully:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A classic choice to soak up that delicious sauce.

Garlic Butter Rice – Adds a subtle, buttery contrast.

Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus bring freshness.

Crusty Bread – Perfect for sopping up all that rich, savory gravy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving of this boneless beef short ribs recipe:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	45g
Fat	35g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	750mg

Exact values may vary based on ingredients used.

Next Up: Tips for the Perfect Boneless Beef Short Ribs!

We’re not done yet! In the next section, we’ll dive into expert tips, common mistakes, and troubleshooting solutions to ensure your boneless beef short ribs recipe turns out perfect every time.

Tips for the Perfect Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Now that you know how to cook boneless beef short ribs, let’s talk about the little details that can take this dish from “good” to “unbelievably amazing.” Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these tips will ensure you get the most tender, flavorful, and mouthwatering short ribs every single time.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Not all boneless beef short ribs are created equal. When shopping, look for:

✅ Well-marbled meat – Fat equals flavor! Choose short ribs with visible marbling for the juiciest results.
✅ Thick, evenly cut pieces – This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
✅ Dark red color – Fresh, high-quality beef should have a rich red hue, not brown or gray.

“The quality of your beef will make or break your short ribs—choose wisely!”

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

While marinating is optional, it can add an extra depth of flavor to your boneless beef short ribs recipe. If you have time, try marinating the ribs for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Here’s a quick marinade idea:

½ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp smoked paprika

Simply mix the ingredients, coat the ribs, and let them soak up the goodness!

Cooking Tips for a Restaurant-Quality Dish

✅ Always sear the ribs first – This step locks in juices and creates a flavor-packed crust.
✅ Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven – It distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots.
✅ Cook low and slow – The secret to fall-apart tender ribs is patience. Don’t rush it!
✅ Let them rest – After cooking, let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute evenly.

“Great ribs take time—but every second is worth it!”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced cooks can make mistakes with boneless beef short ribs. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to fix them.

Overcooking or Undercooking

The Problem:

Cooking the ribs at too high a temperature can make them dry and chewy.
Cooking them for too little time leaves them tough and undercooked.

✅ The Fix:

Stick to low and slow cooking (325°F for oven-braising, 8 hours on low in the slow cooker).
If your ribs turn out dry, add extra broth or sauce and let them simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes.

Not Searing the Meat Properly

The Problem:

Skipping the searing step results in less flavorful, pale-looking ribs.

✅ The Fix:

Always sear the short ribs in hot oil for at least 2-3 minutes per side before slow cooking or braising.

“That golden-brown crust = the secret to deep, meaty flavor!”

Using the Wrong Seasonings

The Problem:

Using too much salt can overpower the beef.
Not using enough seasoning can make them bland.

✅ The Fix:

Stick to simple seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire).
Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika for extra depth.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Boneless beef short ribs taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

How to Store Short Ribs Properly

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag with sauce and freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: Always store ribs with some sauce to keep them moist when reheating.

Best Way to Reheat Without Drying Out

The Problem:

Reheating short ribs the wrong way can dry them out.

✅ The Fix:

Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes with extra sauce.
Stovetop: Simmer on low heat with a splash of broth.
Microwave: Use short bursts and cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.

“The secret to reheating is gentle heat—never rush it!”

Common Problems and Solutions

Even if you follow every step, things can still go wrong. Here’s how to fix common issues with boneless beef short ribs.

Why Are My Short Ribs Tough?

They weren’t cooked long enough—short ribs need time to break down the connective tissue.
Try cooking them for another 30-60 minutes on low heat.

How to Fix Overly Salty Short Ribs

Add unsalted broth or a splash of vinegar/lemon juice to balance it out.
Serve with neutral side dishes (like mashed potatoes) to tone down the saltiness.

What If My Sauce Is Too Thin?

Simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and stir.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious boneless beef short ribs variations!

Spicy Korean-Style Short Ribs

Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) and soy sauce for a bold, spicy kick.

Garlic Butter Short Ribs

Finish with melted garlic butter for a rich, indulgent flavor.

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Use red wine in place of broth for a deep, luxurious sauce.

“A simple twist can turn a great recipe into an unforgettable meal.”

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Check out these other easy recipes:

➡️Beef and Noodles Recipe
➡️Southern Cornbread Beef Tallow
➡️Beef Heart Recipe

Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Author: Janah Dalil
Total Time: Prep + cook time
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This boneless beef short ribs recipe delivers tender, juicy ribs slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce. Whether you choose the slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot method, these ribs will melt in your mouth and impress your guests!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef broth
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

½ cup red wine (for deeper flavor)
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Short Ribs:

Trim excess fat from the boneless beef short ribs.
Pat dry with a paper towel for a better sear.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

2️⃣ Sear the Ribs:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the ribs for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove from heat and set aside.

3️⃣ Slow Cooker Method:

Place onions, garlic, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer the seared short ribs on top.
Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, then pour over the ribs.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.

4️⃣ Oven-Braised Method:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a Dutch oven, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add red wine (optional) and reduce for 3 minutes.
Return ribs to the pot, add beef broth, and cover.
Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.

5️⃣ Instant Pot Method:

Use the “Sauté” function to sear the ribs.
Add all ingredients and set to high pressure for 50 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally, then serve.

Notes

For thicker sauce, simmer the cooking liquid on the stovetop for 10 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Serve with mashed potatoes, garlic rice, or roasted vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: Varies by method (4-8 hours for slow cooker, 3 hours for oven, 50 min for Instant Pot)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow-cooked, Braised, Pressure Cooked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe, Slow Cooked Short Ribs, Oven Braised Short Ribs, Instant Pot Short Ribs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make boneless beef short ribs in advance?
Absolutely! They taste even better the next day. Just reheat slowly to keep them juicy.

2. Can I use bone-in short ribs instead?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by 30 minutes since bone-in ribs take longer to break down.

3. How do I make them gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

4. What’s the best wine to pair with short ribs?
A full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully.

5. Can I make this in a regular pot if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Yes! Just make sure to cook it on low heat and check for even cooking.

Conclusion

By now, you’re fully equipped to make the most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth boneless beef short ribs ever! Whether you slow cook, braise, or pressure cook, the key is low and slow cooking, proper seasoning, and patience.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your boneless beef short ribs ready and impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal!

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