If you’ve been craving a soul-satisfying comfort dinner, this Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results will quickly become your new kitchen staple. Thick, tender boneless short ribs are braised slowly until utterly melt-in-your-mouth, surrounded by a rich sauce loaded with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re hosting friends or want a truly special family meal, this dish is as impressive as it is unfussy, promising foolproof results and rave reviews every single time.

Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this recipe is straightforward, but each component serves a deliciously specific purpose. Every element comes together to build deep flavors, tender textures, and a gorgeous color that makes the whole meal irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

2.5 lbs boneless beef short ribs: These are the star—look for well-marbled, thick pieces for maximum flavor and tenderness.
1 tablespoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the meat all the way through and helping hydrate the beef’s surface for better browning.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible; it adds a subtle heat that plays perfectly with the savory beef.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden, caramelized sear and to keep everything rich and luscious.
1 onion, chopped: Onions add both sweetness and body to the sauce as they slowly braise with the beef.
2 carrots, chopped: Carrots bring a mellow sweetness and vibrant color, plus they’re deliciously soft by the end.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery lends a gentle earthiness and balances the rich flavors in the pot.
3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of intensity—don’t skip!
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Enhances the sauce’s depth and delivers a subtle tang with gorgeous color.
1 cup red wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity, but you can skip for a completely family-friendly dish.
2 cups beef broth: This forms the base of your braising liquid and ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.
2 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses herby, aromatic notes that complement the richness of the beef.
2 bay leaves: For a subtle, savory backbone that ties the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results

Step 1: Trim and Season the Short Ribs

Start by trimming away any excess fat and the silver skin from your boneless short ribs. This helps eliminate chewy bits and ensures only meltingly tender, succulent ribs in your finished dish. Generously season all sides of the ribs with kosher salt and black pepper for big, beefy flavor at every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Ribs

Set your Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the short ribs in batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until each piece builds a rich, dark crust. This caramelization layer creates off-the-charts savory flavor in your sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the seared ribs and set aside. In the same pot (don’t clean it!), add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for several minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. The vegetables should start to soften and turn golden, layering in sweetness and depth.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir in the tomato paste. Let them cook together for about a minute. This “blooms” the garlic and caramelizes the paste, unlocking those rich, umami-packed undertones that will make your Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine (if using), stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any stuck-on bits. Let the wine simmer briefly to cook off most of the alcohol. This step deepens the flavor profile and builds a more luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Add Liquids and Herbs

Return the short ribs to the pot, nestling them among the softened veggies. Add the beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. The broth ensures juicy, succulent ribs while the herbs infuse the entire pot with their lovely aroma.

Step 7: Braise Low and Slow

Bring the mixture just to a simmer, then cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a 300°F oven. Let the ribs braise gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. When done, the meat should be incredibly tender and almost falling apart—this is where the magic really happens in your Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results.

Step 8: Serve

Once the ribs are meltingly soft, remove the herbs and bay leaves. Plate them up with your favorite sides (more on that below) and spoon over plenty of that gorgeous, glossy sauce. Every bite is a celebration of warmth and comfort!

How to Serve Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results

Garnishes

These short ribs love a finishing touch. Shower with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness, or sprinkle over a bit of flaky sea salt just before serving. A spoonful of their braising liquid goes a long way to make the dish absolutely craveworthy.

Side Dishes

This Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results calls out for something creamy and hearty alongside. Buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or simple roasted vegetables all soak up the sauce beautifully. Crusty bread on the side is also highly recommended for mopping every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress things up, pile the tender beef over a bed of risotto or garlic mashed cauliflower. For a rustic approach, serve everything right from the Dutch oven and let guests help themselves—family style meals always taste better somehow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers from your Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container, making sure to cover the ribs with their sauce to keep them moist. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing

This recipe is fantastic for freezing! Store cooled short ribs and plenty of sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, allow the ribs to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the short ribs in a covered ovenproof dish at 300°F until warmed through, basting occasionally with the sauce. You can also reheat in a saucepan over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep things saucy and lush.

FAQs

Do I need a Dutch oven for this recipe?

While a Dutch oven is ideal for even braising, you can use any heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid, or even a slow cooker for similar results.

Can I make this without red wine?

Absolutely! Just skip the wine and add a little extra beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for that tangy note if you wish—the Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results will still be delicious.

What cut can I use instead of boneless short ribs?

Chuck roast cut into large chunks is a wonderful alternative, and still braises up tender and flavorful, though nothing beats the texture of short ribs here.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, remove the ribs once cooked, bring your sauce to a simmer on the stove, and reduce to your desired consistency—or stir in a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.

Can I make the Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results ahead of time?

Yes, and the flavor often improves overnight! Make the dish a day in advance, then gently reheat before serving for an effortless showstopper.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a pot of rich, tender boneless beef short ribs that makes any meal memorable. Don’t be surprised if the Easy Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe for Perfect Results steals the spotlight at your table—give it a try, and get ready for requests to make it again and again!