How Long to Bake Beef Short Ribs in the Oven for Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Meat

Beef short ribs are a delicious, flavorful cut of meat perfect for long, slow cooking. When baked in the oven, the connective tissue in the ribs slowly breaks down, making the meat incredibly tender. But getting the bake time just right is key. Underbake, and the ribs will be tough. Bake too long, and they’ll dry out.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how long to bake beef short ribs in the oven. You’ll learn about different bake times, what affects them, and tips for perfectly cooked ribs every time. Let’s get started!

Beef short ribs come from the belly primal cut near the cow’s chest. They contain a lot of fat marbling, collagen, and connective tissue. This makes the ribs ideal for moist heat cooking methods like braising and baking.

There are two main types of short ribs

• English-style – Long cut with the meat still attached to a single bone,

• Flanken-style – Cut across the bones into shorter 1-3 inch segments. Also called Korean-style.

The bake time can vary slightly depending on the cut. But in general, short ribs require long, slow oven cooking to break down the connective tissues.

Factors That Affect Beef Short Rib Bake Times

Several factors impact exactly how long to bake beef short ribs to perfection:

1. Cut of Ribs

• English-style – Tend to take slightly longer. Bake for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.

• Flanken-style – Bake for 2 – 2 1/2 hours. The shorter segments mean faster cooking.

2. Amount of Ribs

• Fewer ribs – Will bake faster. May need only 2 hours.

• Full oven rack – Will require longer bake time near 3 hours.

3. Oven Temperature

• 300-325 ̊F – Low, slow baking for 3+ hours.

• 350-375 ̊F – Moderate temp reduces time to 2 – 2 1/2 hours.

• 400-425 ̊F – High heat for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Not ideal as ribs can dry out.

4. Preparation Method

• Boneless – Tend to bake slightly quicker by 30-60 mins.

• Bone-in – Take the full recommended oven time.

• Marinated – Infuses flavor but doesn’t significantly affect bake time.

Now that we know what impacts bake times, let’s look at specific recommendations.

Recommended Beef Short Rib Bake Times

For 1.5-2 pounds of bone-in beef short ribs, the ideal bake times are:

• 300 ̊F oven – Bake for 3 – 3 1/2 hours
• 325 ̊F oven – Bake for 2 1/2 – 3 hours
• 350 ̊F oven – Bake for 2 – 2 1/2 hours
• 375-400 ̊F oven – Bake for 1 1/2 – 2 hours

Check for doneness at the low end of the time ranges. When done, the meat will be very tender and easily pull away from the bones. The bones should wiggle loose when you move them.

Helpful Tips for Perfectly Baked Short Ribs

Follow these useful tips for fork-tender, fall-off-the-bone oven baked beef short ribs:

• Choose a baking dish – Use a roasting pan, Dutch oven, or baking dish with tall sides. Add 1-2 cups broth or water to braise the ribs.

• Brown the ribs first – Searing before baking enhances flavor. Pat ribs dry and quickly brown for 2-3 minutes per side in a hot pan.

• Flip ribs halfway – Rotate ribs and flip once halfway during baking to ensure even cooking.

• Make a foil tent – Tenting foil over ribs traps in moisture. Check doneness through foil without fully uncovering.

• Let rest before serving – Allow ribs to rest 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat.

• Save the drippings – Spoon fat from the baking pan drippings and use remaining juices for gravy.

With the right prep and techniques, you’ll be rewarded with amazingly tender and juicy oven baked beef short ribs every time.

Testing Short Rib Doneness

Here are ways to test when short ribs are ready:

• Temperature – Use a meat thermometer. Look for 195-205 ̊F.

• Toothpick or fork – Meat should easily pull away and shred.

• Bones – Bones should loosen and wiggle easily.

• Appearance – Meat will shrink back from bones by 1/4 – 1/2 inch when done.

• Color – Meat will turn deep brown with crispy edged fat.

Check in multiple spots to ensure ribs are fully cooked with no cold spots. If undercooked, continue baking and test again in 15 minute increments.

Troubleshooting Oven Baked Beef Short Ribs

Having trouble getting tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs? Here are some common issues and solutions:

Ribs are tough and chewy

• Bake for a longer time at a lower oven temp. Up to 4 hours at 275 ̊F.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure reaching 195-205 ̊F.

Ribs are dry or stringy

• Don’t cook at temps higher than 375 ̊F which can dry out meat.

• Add more braising liquid like broth or water. Tent foil to seal in moisture.

Ribs lack flavor

• Remember to brown ribs before baking to boost flavor.

• Marinate several hours or overnight in a sauce or seasoning rub.

• Cook in an aromatic braising liquid like wine, broth, or ale.

With the right technique, baking brings out the absolute best in beef short ribs every time.

The Takeaway – Baked Beef Short Rib Perfection

When baking beef short ribs in the oven, allow 2 – 3 hours of cooking time depending on cut, amount of ribs, oven temp, and preparation method. Cook low and slow, braise in flavorful liquid, brown first, and use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Proper baking results in short ribs with meat so tender it falls right off the bone.

Want more foolproof recipes for oven baked short ribs? Check out these delicious options:

• Easy Oven Baked Short Ribs

• Garlic Herb Crusted Short Ribs

• Mustard and Thyme Short Ribs

With the right method and baking time, you’ll get amazing oven baked short ribs worth bragging about every time.