Melt-in-Your-Mouth Boneless Beef Short Ribs – Easy & Delicious!

Boneless beef short ribs are a deliciously rich and tender cut that, when cooked properly, deliver deep, savory flavors with melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re braising them low and slow, searing them for a flavorful crust, or using a pressure cooker for a quicker meal, the right technique makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll show you how to achieve perfectly cooked boneless beef short ribs, packed with bold flavors and irresistibly tender results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Best Cooking Methods for Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Boneless beef short ribs are incredibly versatile and can be cooked using different methods to achieve the perfect tenderness and flavor. Below are the best ways to cook boneless beef short ribs, including tips for each method.

1. Oven-Baked Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Why This Works:

• The oven’s dry heat helps develop a rich, caramelized crust on the ribs while keeping the inside tender.
• Slow baking allows the meat to break down, making it melt-in-your-mouth soft.

How to Bake Boneless Short Ribs:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Sear the ribs in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side for extra flavor.
4. Place in a baking dish, add beef broth and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until fork-tender.

📌 Pro Tip: For extra depth, add red wine, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar to your braising liquid.

2. Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Why This Works:

• The low and slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender.
• Requires minimal effort—just set it and forget it!

How to Cook in a Slow Cooker:

1. Sear the ribs in a pan (optional but recommended for flavor).
2. Place in a slow cooker with onions, garlic, beef broth, and soy sauce.
3. Set on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

📌 Pro Tip: Add honey, brown sugar, or BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory glaze.

3. Grilled Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Why This Works:

• The high heat from the grill creates a beautiful charred crust while keeping the inside juicy.
• Ideal for quick cooking—great if you’re short on time!

How to Grill Short Ribs:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F/204°C).
2. Marinate the ribs in olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and rosemary for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once.
4. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

📌 Pro Tip: Use a reverse sear method by cooking at low heat first, then finishing with a high-heat sear for maximum juiciness.

4. Instant Pot Boneless Beef Short Ribs (Fast & Tender!)

Why This Works:

• The pressure cooking function locks in moisture and speeds up cooking time.
• Great for busy weeknights when you want tender short ribs in under 1 hour.

How to Cook in an Instant Pot:

1. Sear the ribs in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function.
2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
3. Set to “Pressure Cook” on high for 45 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening.

📌 Pro Tip: Add mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes for a one-pot meal!

Which Cooking Method is Best?

• Best for Deep Flavor: Oven-Baked or Slow Cooker
• Best for Quick Cooking: Grilled or Instant Pot
• Best for Set-It-and-Forget-It: Slow Cooker

Try one of these cooking methods based on your preference and enjoy tender, juicy boneless beef short ribs!

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Boneless beef short ribs	2 pounds	Look for well-marbled cuts.
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	For searing the ribs.
Onion	1 large, diced	Adds a savory depth to the dish.
Garlic	4 cloves, minced	Enhances the flavor profile.
Beef broth	2 cups	Keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
Red wine (optional)	1 cup	Adds richness (substitute with broth).
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons	Provides a subtle sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon	Boosts umami flavor.
Thyme	1 teaspoon	Use fresh or dried.
Rosemary	1 teaspoon	Optional, for extra aroma.
Salt and pepper	To taste	For seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Pat the boneless beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

• Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize.
• Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Braise the Ribs

• Return the seared short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
• Cover the pot with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
• Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Remove the ribs from the pot and skim excess fat from the sauce if needed.
• Optional: Reduce the sauce on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes to thicken.

Tips for Perfect Boneless Short Ribs

1. Choose Quality Meat

• Opt for well-marbled short ribs for the most tender and flavorful results.

2. Use Low and Slow Cooking

• Braising at a low temperature allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making the ribs tender and juicy.

3. Customize the Flavor

• Add vegetables like carrots or celery to the pot for extra flavor.
• Swap red wine with balsamic vinegar or omit it altogether for a lighter taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairings: Serve the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
• Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or sautéed green beans.
• Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the ribs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm the ribs in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.

Conclusion

Boneless beef short ribs are a timeless dish that’s easy to prepare yet incredibly rewarding. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe ensures tender, flavorful results every time. Try it today and savor the rich, comforting taste of perfectly braised short ribs!