Fall-Off-The-Bone Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe That Everyone Will Love
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the tender, melt-in-your-mouth magic of beef short ribs. But too often, recipes make it seem like a mountain to climb. The long ingredient lists, complicated steps, and special equipment can leave us feeling stuck. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that strips it all back while still delivering big on flavor, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll show you how to make beef short ribs that are not only simple but downright unforgettable. With just a few pantry staples, a little time, and one surprising twist, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it took hours of skill but fits neatly into your day. Ready? Let’s make magic happen.
Why Beef Short Ribs Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Beef short ribs are beloved for their rich, beefy flavor and fall-apart tenderness. Cooked low and slow, they absorb every ounce of seasoning and sauce, turning into a dish that feels like a warm hug.
What makes them special? The marbled meat becomes silky and luscious when braised, creating a dish that’s worth every second of cooking time. And don’t let the long cook time scare you—it’s mostly hands-off! Whether for a quiet weeknight or a dinner party, short ribs always feel just right.
We’ve also got some full proof shortcuts for you that can cut your cooking time way down.
If you’re new to slow cooking or braising, check out our comprehensive guide to braising for a deeper understanding of this essential method. It’s the foundation for perfect beef short ribs.
Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
Every ingredient here pulls its weight, from flavor to texture. Let’s break it down:
- Beef Short Ribs (3 lbs): The star of the show, bringing rich flavor and a meaty, tender bite.
- Salt and Pepper: The foundation of seasoning, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Adds a light crust to the ribs and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For browning the ribs and creating a base for flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness to the sear and sauce.
- Onion, Sliced (1 large): Brings sweetness and depth to the braise.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (4): A must-have for savory dishes.
- Stout Beer or Red Wine (1/2 cup): Adds bold, earthy notes and helps deglaze the pan.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): The liquid gold that keeps everything moist.
- Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): A secret touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Fresh Rosemary (1 sprig): Herbal notes that pair beautifully with beef.
- Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs): Adds a hint of brightness to the dish.
How to Make Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe
This step-by-step guide will take you from raw ingredients to a plate of pure comfort.
1. Prep and Preheat
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour. Shake off the excess.
2. Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ribs in batches, searing each side until browned. Set them aside on a plate.
3. Build the Base
In the same pot, toss in the onions and garlic. Cook until softened and golden. Then, pour in the stout beer or red wine, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon.
4. Add Liquids and Herbs
Return the ribs to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the maple syrup. Add rosemary and thyme, nestling the herbs between the ribs.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer it to the oven. Let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Remove the ribs and place them on a serving platter. Simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until it thickens slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Pour the sauce over the ribs and serve hot. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.
Pair your short ribs with our quick and easy dinner rolls recipe to create the perfect comforting meal.
Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe Recap
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Simple Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
Description
This simple beef short ribs recipe yields tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone. With a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The addition of a hint of maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness that balances the deep umami flavors, setting this recipe apart.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup stout beer or red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (original touch)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the short ribs: Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the ribs: Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the stout beer or red wine, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.
- Add liquids and herbs: Return the ribs to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the maple syrup. Add the rosemary and thyme. Ensure the ribs are nearly submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer and bake: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): Remove the ribs and set them aside. Place the pot back on the stovetop over medium heat and simmer the liquid until it thickens slightly.
- Serve: Arrange the short ribs on a serving plate and drizzle with the sauce. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Original Element: The addition of maple syrup introduces a subtle sweetness that enhances the savory notes of the sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. This slight tweak brings a depth of flavor that is both unexpected and delightful.
- Substitutions: If stout beer or red wine isn’t available, replace it with an equal amount of beef broth.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Searing, Braising, Baking, Reducing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 708.17
- Sodium: 1026.33 mg
- Fat: 51.67 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.83 g
- Protein: 49.5 g
If you loved this dish, you might also enjoy our Savory Rice Patty Recipe, another warm and satisfying side dish idea for any occasion.
How to Cook Beef Short Ribs Fast
If time isn’t on your side, there are shortcuts to delicious beef short ribs. However, I believe that everything in cooking gets better with time. As your ribs braise, the collagen breaks down, giving that sumptuous, velvety mouth feel. In my opinion, there is no real substitute for time, but these methods can help it along.
- Choose Boneless Ribs: Boneless short ribs cook faster than their bone-in counterparts.
- Use a Pressure Cooker: A pressure cooker or Instant Pot can cut the cooking time down to just 45 minutes while maintaining flavor. This would be the best method if your short on time.
- High Heat in the Oven: Baking beef short ribs in the oven at 400°F will have them ready in about 1.5 hours. While this will work, it will never be as good as it could be with low and slow.
Quick Oven-Baked Short Ribs Recipe
If you’re wondering how to cook beef short ribs in the oven fast, follow this method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and your favorite spice rub.
- Sear them in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
- Place the ribs in a roasting pan with beef broth, aromatics, herbs and cover tightly with foil then a lid.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, checking for tenderness.
Beef Short Ribs Recipe Oven and Slow Cooker Versions
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Want to know how to make beef short ribs recipe slow cooker style? Slow cooking brings out the deep, savory flavors while keeping the process hands-off.
- Sear the ribs for a golden crust before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Add onions, garlic, beef broth, and a splash of red wine or stout beer.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Oven-Baked Short Ribs
For those craving beef ribs recipe oven style, follow this foolproof method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sear the ribs in a Dutch oven, then add onions, garlic, and beef broth.
- Cover and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until tender.
How Long to Cook Beef Ribs in the Oven
The cooking time for beef ribs varies depending on the temperature:
- 400°F: About 1.5 hours.
- 375°F: 2 hours, covered.
- 350°F: 2 to 2.5 hours, perfect for tender, juicy results.
If you’re wondering how long to bake short ribs in the oven at 400°F, keep them covered with foil to lock in moisture while they cook faster.
Ingredient Alternatives for Flexibility
- Beef Short Ribs: Substitute with bone-in pork ribs or beef back ribs for a lighter option.
- Stout Beer/Red Wine: Replace with beef broth or apple cider for a non-alcoholic twist.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or brown sugar are great alternatives that add sweetness.
Secrets to Tender Short Ribs Every Time
- Searing Is Key: Always sear your short ribs before braising or baking. This locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
- Cook Low and Slow: For fall-apart ribs, slow cooking or oven baking at 350°F is the way to go.
- Don’t Rush It: Even quick methods need a bit of time for the collagen in the meat to break down.
Curious about creating more flavorful sauces? Dive into our guide on essential sauce terms to take your skills to the next level.
Simple Beef Short Ribs FAQ’s
Cook for 1.5 hours, covered, to ensure tenderness. BE sure to cove tightly with foil to lock in the moisture.
Absolutely! Sear the ribs first, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Bake at 400°F for 1.5 hours with plenty of liquid to keep them moist.
No, but a heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid works best for braising.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered dish with a splash of broth.
You can, but it adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.