There’s something magical about boneless beef short ribs that makes them a star at any dinner table. When cooked low and slow, they transform into melt-in-your-mouth morsels of flavor, releasing a rich aroma that immediately puts everyone in a good mood. Imagine the moment you take that first bite; the tender meat practically falls apart, and your taste buds are treated to a symphony of savory goodness.

I remember the first time I tackled this dish; it was during a family gathering where everyone brought their A-game. As I plated the short ribs, my cousin’s eyes widened with disbelief, and my aunt exclaimed that she could smell them from the driveway! Now, I whip up this recipe for every special occasion, and it never fails to bring smiles and satisfied sighs around the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll spend more time enjoying company than in the kitchen
- The deep, savory flavor profile creates an unforgettable taste experience
- Visually stunning, these ribs will impress anyone at your dinner party
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides or sauces for any occasion
The tender meat paired with rich flavors always garners rave reviews from friends who can’t resist going back for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Beef Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled meat which ensures tenderness and flavor during cooking.
Onions: Yellow onions work best here; they caramelize beautifully and add sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal for that aromatic kick; avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it enhances the sauce’s richness.
Red Wine: Choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking for maximum flavor impact.
Tomato Paste: Adds depth to the sauce; opt for high-quality brands without added sugars.
Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaf): Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s flavor; dried can be used in a pinch.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to your taste preferences throughout cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onions and mincing garlic. Gather all seasonings and liquids so everything is ready when you need it.
Sear the Ribs: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear each side of the short ribs until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Add Aromatics: Once browned, set aside ribs and lower heat slightly. Add onions and garlic to the same pan. Sauté until fragrant and translucent—this should take about 5 minutes.
Create the Sauce Base: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up those tasty bits from the bottom while simmering for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer onion mixture into a slow cooker along with short ribs, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
Cook Low & Slow!: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until ribs are fork-tender. The longer they cook, the richer they’ll become!
Now that you have all these steps lined up like ducks in a row (or should I say ribs on a plate?), you’re all set to impress everyone with your culinary skills! Enjoy every moment as your home fills with irresistible aromas while these delicious boneless beef short ribs slowly transform into something truly magnificent—perfectly tender with robust flavors that’ll leave your family begging for more!
You Must Know
- Boneless beef short ribs are a crowd-pleaser with their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, they soak up flavors beautifully
- Remember to let them rest after cooking for the juiciest bites that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the boneless beef short ribs generously, then sear them in a hot pan to lock in flavors. After that, braise low and slow until they’re fork-tender and irresistible.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out seasonings based on your taste; smoked paprika adds a nice kick. You can also throw in some root vegetables during the braising process for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover boneless beef short ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth for moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing boneless beef short ribs, ensure they’re well-marbled for maximum tenderness
- Don’t rush the searing process; it builds flavor
- Always let them rest post-cooking for juicy bites that make everyone swoon
I remember the first time I served boneless beef short ribs at a family gathering; my aunt nearly wept over their tenderness. It turned into an impromptu recipe swap session that night!
FAQ
What is the best way to season boneless beef short ribs?
Using salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika enhances their natural flavor beautifully.
Can I cook boneless beef short ribs in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cook them on low for 6-8 hours for maximum tenderness.
What sides pair well with boneless beef short ribs?
Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement these deliciously rich short ribs perfectly.
Boneless Beef Short Ribs
Boneless beef short ribs are a showstopper that will elevate any gathering. Cooked low and slow, these tender morsels melt in your mouth, packed with rich flavors that delight the palate. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings smiles around the table and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy more moments with loved ones while savoring the incredible aroma wafting through your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless beef short ribs
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the short ribs until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove ribs and lower heat. Add onions and garlic to the pan; sauté until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up bits from the bottom for flavor (simmer for 2-3 minutes).
- Transfer onion mixture to a slow cooker; add short ribs, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until fork-tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 oz (142g)
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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