boneless beef short ribs recipe

How to Make 5-Star Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe in Under 2 Hours

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Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to create a restaurant-quality, melt-in-your-mouth boneless beef short ribs recipe in less than two hours? Spoiler alert: It absolutely is! With the right ingredients, techniques, and a little bit of patience, you can transform this humble cut of meat into a dish that even your pickiest dinner guests will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this guide will walk you through every step to make a 5-star boneless beef short ribs recipe without spending all day in the kitchen 1.

Why You’ll Love This Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Let’s face it—life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or quality when preparing meals. This boneless beef short ribs recipe combines tender, juicy meat with rich, savory flavors that feel indulgent yet are surprisingly simple to prepare. Plus, serving this dish feels like giving yourself (and your loved ones) a warm hug at the end of a long day. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Here’s what you should gather:

  • 4 to 5 boneless beef short ribs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds total)1
  • Salt and pepper (basic seasoning goes a long way!)
  • Olive oil (for searing)
  • Garlic powder (optional but highly recommended)
  • Flour (for dredging; helps thicken the sauce later)
  • Vegetables : Onions, carrots, and fresh garlic add depth and aroma5
  • Broth : Beef broth or stock adds moisture and richness
  • Tomato-based sauce : Ketchup or crushed tomatoes work beautifully here2
  • Optional flavor boosters : Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or liquid smoke elevate the taste profile

Don’t worry if some items sound unfamiliar—we’ll explain how to use them as we go along.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Now comes the fun part: cooking! Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious boneless beef short ribs recipe that’s ready in under two hours.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely during searing. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides. For extra flavor, dredge the ribs lightly in flour before moving on to the next step3.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the drying step—it’s key to achieving that golden crust that locks in juices.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the ribs in the pan, leaving space between each piece so they don’t steam. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown7. Remove the ribs and set aside.

Why sear first? Searing caramelizes the surface of the meat, adding layers of flavor that simmering alone just can’t replicate.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

In the same pan, toss in chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes. These veggies form the base of your sauce, infusing it with natural sweetness and complexity5.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the seared ribs to the pan. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the bottom of the pan, along with your tomato-based sauce (like ketchup or crushed tomatoes). Stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!

If using optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika, now’s the time to mix them in. They’ll take your boneless beef short ribs recipe from good to unforgettable.

Step 5: Oven Magic

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there’s still liquid in the pan. The ribs are done when they’re fork-tender and practically falling apart8.

Fun Fact: Slow baking allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in super tender ribs.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve your boneless beef short ribs recipe hot alongside mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.

Tips for Success with Your Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Here are a few insider tips to help you nail this dish every single time:

  1. Choose Quality Meat : Opt for well-marbled boneless beef short ribs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  2. Don’t Rush the Searing : Take your time browning the meat—it builds the foundation of flavor.
  3. Customize Flavors : Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, rosemary, or even chili flakes for a personalized twist.
  4. Make Ahead : This boneless beef short ribs recipe tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep9.

Why This Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe Works

What makes this recipe truly special isn’t just its simplicity—it’s the balance of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior gives way to buttery, fall-apart meat, while the savory-sweet sauce ties everything together. And because it cooks low and slow, even beginners can achieve professional results.

Final Thoughts: Give This Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe a Try

There you have it—a foolproof guide to creating a show-stopping boneless beef short ribs recipe in under two hours. From the satisfying sizzle of searing to the comforting aroma wafting from your oven, every moment spent on this dish is worth it.

So, are you ready to impress your family or treat yourself to something extraordinary? Grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and let’s make magic happen. After all, who says gourmet cooking has to be complicated?

Happy cooking!🍽