Craving something rich, savory, and deeply satisfying? This boneless short ribs recipe delivers fall-apart tender beef in a mouthwatering sauce that’s perfect for Sunday dinners or a special midweek treat.
Unlike bone-in versions, boneless beef short ribs are easier to work with and quicker to cook—especially in the oven. Whether you’re using chuck-style boneless ribs or slices from the butcher, this dish packs bold flavor with minimal effort. Plus, you’ll learn how to cook short ribs in the oven, how to serve them like a pro, and how to riff on the classic using your favorite seasonings.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to cook boneless short ribs the easy way—and make it taste like it simmered all day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious boneless short ribs recipe at home. No fancy tools—just rich ingredients and oven love.
For the Short Ribs:
- 2.5–3 lbs boneless beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper (generous pinch each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (or additional broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 chopped carrot or celery stalk for depth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for extra tang
How to Make Boneless Short Ribs Recipe
Step 1 – Prep the Meat
Pat your boneless beef short ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps create a better sear. Generously season all sides with salt and pepper.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2 – Sear and Build Flavor
In a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the short ribs and sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, lower heat and sauté onions for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping the bottom to release flavor.
Step 3 – Braise to Tender Perfection
Return the ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cover tightly with a lid or foil.
Place in the oven and bake for 2.5–3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and nearly falling apart.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. For a richer sauce, simmer uncovered on the stove for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Tips to Perfect Your Boneless Short Ribs Recipe
- Use the right cut: Chuck short ribs (boneless) are ideal. Avoid lean cuts—they won’t get as tender.
- Deglaze properly: Don’t skip this! It builds deep, savory flavor.
- Don’t rush the oven time: Even though it’s a quick prep, low and slow is the secret to tender, flavorful ribs.
- Want crispy edges? Broil the finished ribs for 3–5 minutes.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to try a different twist? Here are some fun ideas based on common long-tail searches:
- Asian-inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Serve with rice.
- BBQ-style: Swap the sauce for your favorite barbecue blend before baking.
- Sliced short ribs: For how to cook boneless short ribs sliced recipe, sear thin-cut ribs quickly, then simmer for less time.
- Oven shortcut: For a faster version, cut ribs into smaller chunks and reduce oven time to 90 minutes.
- Wine-free version: Use balsamic vinegar + broth instead of red wine.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
(Estimates based on 1/6 of recipe. Values will vary by brand.)
FAQs About Boneless Short Ribs Recipe
Q1: How to cook boneless short ribs in the oven for best results?
Sear the ribs first, then bake covered at low heat (325°F) for 2.5–3 hours to get tender, juicy meat.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Short ribs taste even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the oven.
Q3: What cut is boneless beef short ribs?
Usually from the chuck (shoulder) or plate area. It’s rich in flavor and perfect for braising.
Q4: What can I use instead of wine?
You can use extra beef broth, balsamic vinegar, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Q5: Is this the best recipe for boneless short ribs?
If you love rich, flavorful meat with minimal fuss—yes! This is one of the best boneless beef short ribs methods around.
Final Thoughts
This mouthwatering and tender boneless short ribs recipe is a guaranteed hit. From slow oven braising to rich, velvety sauce, it checks all the boxes for a cozy and impressive meal.
Whether you’re searching for how to cook boneless short ribs easy recipe or wondering what is the best recipe for boneless short ribs, this one’s designed to wow with minimal effort. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even polenta.
Save it, tweak it, love it—and don’t forget to share your results!