How to Grill Tender and Juicy Boneless Beef Ribs

Grilling boneless beef ribs can be one of the most rewarding experiences in outdoor cooking. When done right, the result is tender beef ribs with deep smoky flavor, a caramelized crust, and meat that easily pulls apart. Whether you're using a gas grill, charcoal grill, pellet smoker, or a Ninja Woodfire Grill recipe, this tutorial from Mathews BBQ Supply will guide you through every step of the process.

Why Boneless Beef Ribs Deserve a Spot on Your Grill

Boneless beef ribs are cut from the chuck or shoulder area, making them meatier than traditional beef back ribs or baby back ribs. They’re easier to handle than pork ribs or spare ribs and offer a rich, beefy flavor that holds up well to marinades and barbecue sauce. Unlike beef short ribs that require slow cooking or braising, boneless cuts are perfect for the grill when prepared with indirect heat and finished with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Beef Ribs

To achieve fall off the bone results and a juicy interior, gather the following tools and ingredients:

• Grill (Gas, Charcoal, Pellet, Ceramic Cooker, or Ninja Woodfire Grill)
• Aluminum foil or a roasting pan
• Meat thermometer to check internal temperature
• Zip-top bag or airtight container for marinating
• Rimmed sheet pan for prep
• Small bowl for dry rub mix

Seasoning and Marinade for Ribs

For the marinade and dry rub, combine:

• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup beef broth or red wine

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and coat ribs generously. Place ribs in a zip-top bag or airtight container and marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step-by-Step: How to Grill Beef Ribs

Whether you're cooking BBQ beef ribs on a Bull gas grill or a Weber charcoal grill, follow these steps for the best beef ribs:

1. Remove ribs from marinade and pat dry. Remove excess fat if needed.
2. Apply a dry rub if desired, then let ribs rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to 250°F using indirect heat. For charcoal grill setups, push coals to one side and place a foil pan with apple juice on the other side for moisture.
4. Place ribs bone side down (or meat side up for boneless cuts) on the cooler side of the grill.
5. Close the lid and cook ribs slowly for 2.5 to 3 hours, maintaining low heat.
6. About halfway through, wrap ribs in aluminum foil or place in a roasting pan to retain juices. This helps create tender beef ribs.
7. Unwrap and apply your favorite BBQ sauce or homemade BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
8. Grill over direct heat just long enough to caramelize the sauce, then remove ribs from the grill.
9. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing into individual ribs.

Internal Temperature and Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach an internal temperature of 200°F for that fall off the bone texture. This allows the collagen in the ribs to break down fully, making them incredibly tender.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Oven and Slow Cooker Options

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still cook ribs in the oven or a slow cooker:

• Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place ribs in a foil-lined roasting pan and cover tightly. Bake for 3 hours, then apply sauce and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize.
• Slow Cooker: Place ribs and sauce in a dutch oven or slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6–8 hours. Finish under a hot grill or broiler for a crispy exterior.

Tips for the Best BBQ Ribs Recipe

• Use a smoke box with wood chips in gas grills for added smoke flavor.
• Always coat ribs evenly with dry rub or marinade for consistent flavor.
• Let ribs rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
• Choose cuts with some marbling but not too much excess fat.
• Experiment with different sauces like homemade BBQ sauce or classic barbeque sauce.

Why Choose Grills from Mathews BBQ Supply?

At Mathews BBQ Supply, you’ll find premium brands like Bull, Weber, and Lion Premium Grills, each offering reliable performance for slow cooked beef ribs and grilled beef ribs alike. Whether you’re a first-time griller or a backyard pitmaster, our team helps you find the right setup—gas, charcoal, pellet, or electric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this recipe for beef back ribs or short ribs?

Yes. While boneless beef ribs cook faster, beef back ribs and beef short ribs benefit from longer cook times. Adjust accordingly and use indirect grilling for best results.

What makes ribs fall off the bone?

Low heat and slow cooking break down connective tissue, making the meat tender. Wrapping in foil bake or placing in a dutch oven helps retain moisture.

What’s the difference between back ribs and spare ribs?

Back ribs come from the upper rib cage and have less meat but more tenderness. Spare ribs come from the lower section and are meatier, often used for pork ribs.

How do I store leftover ribs?

Store cooked ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of added beef broth or olive oil to keep them moist.

What’s the best way to add flavor to ribs?

A good recipe starts with a seasoning mix or marinade, followed by a high-quality sauce. Use a favorite BBQ sauce or create your own using brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and spices.

Ready to Grill the Best Beef Ribs?

Whether you're preparing juicy beef ribs for a family cookout or experimenting with a new BBQ ribs recipe, the right tools make all the difference. Mathews BBQ Supply offers everything you need—from grills to accessories—to help you master the art of barbecue. Need help choosing your next grill? Contact us here.