Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe : Easy Tender Oven Baked Dinner

Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe : Easy Tender Oven Baked Dinner. This dish offers a simple way to achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Slow-cooked beef short ribs, braised until supremely tender, represent a culinary comfort classic. The rich, savory profile is achieved through patient oven baking, transforming humble ingredients into an elegant, deeply satisfying meal. This recipe provides a straightforward path to creating restaurant-quality results in the home kitchen.

Imagine the deep, caramelized crust giving way to succulent, pull-apart meat. Each bite is infused with the concentrated flavors of beef, aromatic vegetables, and a well-balanced braising liquid. The texture is paramount: fork-tender ribs that practically dissolve on the tongue, a testament to the transformative power of low and slow cooking.

Short ribs have long been prized in various cuisines, often reserved for special occasions. Their hearty nature and adaptability make them a cornerstone of both traditional family meals and contemporary fine dining. The ability to elevate a relatively inexpensive cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece is a testament to the enduring appeal of this dish.

The true beauty of this oven-baked method lies in its simplicity. While the cooking time is significant, the active preparation is minimal. It’s an ideal choice for busy cooks who appreciate a hands-off approach to achieving exceptional flavor. The recipe is also quite forgiving, allowing for ingredient substitutions and variations based on personal preference and pantry staples.

Variations abound, with regional twists incorporating ingredients such as red wine, balsamic vinegar, or even a touch of sweetness from maple syrup or brown sugar. Popular pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted root vegetables, providing a comforting complement to the rich, savory ribs. Some cooks will prefer to sear the ribs for even more texture.

Ready to experience the unparalleled satisfaction of perfectly cooked short ribs? Follow along for a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this impressive and comforting dish in your own oven.

Recipe Metadata

• Categories: Cooking Techniques, Gluten-Free, Main Dishes, One pot Recipes, Fall Recipes, Winter Recipes
• Courses: Dinner, Main Dishes
• Cuisines: American
• Keywords: Beef, Short Ribs, Oven Baked, Braised, Tender, Easy, Comfort Food

Estimated Cost: $25.00 total

Preparation Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Recipe Yield: Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds boneless beef short ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs: Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs and set aside.
• Step 2: Saut the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Step 3: Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs: Return the seared short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. The liquid should cover most of the ribs; add more beef broth if necessary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly with a lid.
• Step 5: Oven Bake: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 2.5-3 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender. Check the ribs occasionally, and add more beef broth if the sauce is reducing too quickly.
• Step 6: Rest and Shred: Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. Remove the bay leaf. The short ribs should be so tender that they can be easily shredded with a fork.
• Step 7: Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, or your favorite side dish.

For a richer flavor, consider searing the short ribs in bacon fat instead of olive oil. To thicken the sauce further, remove the short ribs after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency. If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving:

Essential Cooking Equipment

Essential kitchen tools for preparing tender oven-baked boneless beef short ribs include:

1. Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid
2. Large skillet or frying pan for searing
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Tongs
7. Fork

Variations

The recipe for boneless beef short ribs can be adapted to individual tastes and dietary needs.

• Ingredient Swaps: Substitute bone-in short ribs for boneless, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Experiment with different herbs like oregano or marjoram. Replace red wine with beef broth or balsamic vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.
• Regional Twists: Incorporate Mexican flavors by adding chili powder, cumin, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. For an Asian-inspired dish, use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil in the braising liquid.
• Dietary Adjustments: To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and limit added salt. For a lower-carb version, serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes. Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

Boneless beef short ribs are ideally served as a comforting and hearty main course. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. Consider serving with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful braising sauce. This dish is well-suited for weekend dinners, special occasions, or holiday gatherings.

Storage Tips

To preserve freshness, allow the cooked short ribs to cool completely before storing. Place the ribs and braising sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, the ribs will remain fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the ribs for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question 1: Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?Answer: Yes, the recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Sear the ribs and saut the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
• Question 2: How can I thicken the braising sauce?Answer: After removing the ribs, simmer the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until it reduces and thickens. Alternatively, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce.
• Question 3: What if my short ribs are tough after cooking?Answer: Tough short ribs typically indicate that they haven’t been cooked long enough. Return the ribs to the oven and continue braising until they reach the desired tenderness.
• Question 4: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?Answer: Yes, this recipe is excellent for make-ahead cooking. Prepare the ribs 1-2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving; the flavors often meld and improve over time.

Summary & Final Thoughts

This Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe : Easy Tender Oven Baked Dinner offers a fantastic route to a deeply satisfying meal. It combines ease of preparation with impressive flavor, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The result is incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs bathed in a rich, savory sauce.

Whats great about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking, experiment with different vegetables, or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. The core method remains the same, guaranteeing a delicious outcome regardless of your personal touches.

We highly encourage you to give this recipe a try! Were confident that you’ll love the results, and we’d love to hear about your cooking journey. Share your photos, tell us about any modifications you made, or simply let us know how it turned out for you.

Happy cooking! We hope this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table. Let us know how yours turns out!