How Much Are Beef Short Ribs?

Beef short ribs are a prized cut of beef taken from the rib section. They consist of slices of rib bone with attached meat and fat. Short ribs are loved for their deep, beefy flavor and tender texture when properly cooked. But many wonder – how much do beef short ribs cost? Let’s take a look at the average price of this popular cut.

Factors That Impact Beef Short Rib Prices

Several factors come into play when determining the retail cost of beef short ribs:

• Cut – There are two main cuts: flanken-style cut parallel to the bones, and English cut crosscut between the bones into sections. Flanken tend to cost a bit less than English.

• Bone – Bone-in short ribs are often cheaper than boneless. But boneless may cost less per pound since you aren’t paying for bone weight.

• Quality Grade – Higher grades like Prime and Certified Angus will be pricier than Select. The marbling and tenderness impact grade and price.

• Source – Grass-fed and organic short ribs typically cost 20-50% more than conventional commodity beef.

• Retailer Type – Specialty butchers and upscale grocers charge more than warehouse clubs and discount supermarkets.

• Location – Prices vary regionally based on availability and general food costs in the area.

Average Retail Prices for Beef Short Ribs

Taking these factors into account, here are some general guidelines on current retail prices for beef short ribs:

• Bone-in – $6 to $10 per pound
• Boneless – $8 to $12 per pound
• Grass-fed – $9 to $15 per pound
• Organic – $10 to $17 per pound

So for a typical package of 4 bone-in short ribs weighing around 2.5 pounds, expect to pay $15 to $25 based on conventional pricing.

Of course, prices are subject to change over time due to inflation, demand fluctuations, feed costs, and other market forces. But this provides a good ballpark estimate of what to budget for quality beef short ribs.

Price Breakdown at Specific Retailers

To give a better sense of real-world beef short rib prices, here’s what they cost at a few major grocery chains:

• Kroger – $5.99 to $7.99 per pound for bone-in
• Publix – $7.99 per pound for Certified Angus boneless
• Wegmans – $8.99 per pound for grass-fed boneless
• Costco – $6.99 per pound for choice grade bone-in
• Walmart – $7.48 per pound for Certified Angus bone-in
• Whole Foods – $14.99 per pound for organic boneless

Again, these are general prices that may vary. Browsing the weekly sales and discounts can help find better deals on beef short ribs.

Price Per Pound vs. Per Package

One pricing nuance with short ribs is that some retailers price them per pound, while others price per package.

For example, a 3-pack of short ribs may cost $18. But in the fine print you’ll see the weight is 2.5 lbs. That breaks down to $7.20 per pound – more than the listed package price.

When comparison shopping, pay close attention to whether pricing is by the pound or per multi-rib package. Buying larger quantities typically provides a lower per-pound cost.

Save Money With Other Cuts

While short ribs make fabulously tender braised and barbecued dishes, they come at a premium price point. For more budget-friendly options, consider other beef cuts like:

• Chuck roast – $5 to $7 per pound
• Brisket – $3 to $5 per pound
• Flank steak – $7 to $10 per pound
• Round roasts – $5 to $8 per pound

These cuts may not be as inherently tender as short ribs, but still respond beautifully to slow, moist cooking methods.

Is It Worth Splurging on Prime or Wagyu Short Ribs?

If you really want to indulge, you could upgrade to Prime or Wagyu short ribs. They offer sublime marbling, flavor and tenderness.

• Prime – About $18 to $25 per pound
• Wagyu – Anywhere from $25 to $50+ per pound

While delicious, these luxury grades will blow your short rib budget out of the water. Only splurge occasionally for a special meal.

How to Get the Best Deal on Short Ribs

Here are some tips for getting high-quality short ribs without overspending:

• Check weekly ads and stock up when on sale
• Buy in bulk quantities at warehouse stores
• Purchase whole short rib racks vs. pre-cut portions
• Buy boneless to avoid paying for excess bone weight
• Go for Select grade over Prime/Angus if cost-conscious
• Substitute alternate cuts like chuck roast or brisket
• Avoid pre-marinated and value-added short ribs
• For maximum tenderness, braise inexpensive cuts like chuck or round

With some strategic shopping, you can enjoy fabulous home-cooked short rib dishes without breaking the bank.

Typical Short Rib Recipes and Costs

To give an idea of how many recipes beef short ribs can yield, here are some common uses and their approximate total costs:

• Korean-Style BBQ Short Ribs – 2 lbs short ribs = 4 servings = $16
• Braised Short Ribs – 3 lbs short ribs = 6 servings = $24
• BBQ Beef Short Rib Sliders – 2 lbs short ribs = 12 sliders = $16
• Red Wine Braised Short Ribs – 4 lb short ribs = 8 servings = $32
• Instant Pot Short Ribs – 1 lb short ribs = 3-4 servings = $8

As you can see, short rib recipes feeding 4-6 people generally cost $15 to $25 depending on amounts and cut selected. While not cheap, it produces a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Is It Cheaper to Buy Whole Short Rib Racks?

Short ribs are sold either pre-cut into portions, or as a whole rib rack. Is it actually cheaper to buy the full rack and divide it yourself?

There isn’t a huge cost difference, but buying whole rib racks typically saves about $1-2 per pound. This does require some butchering skills to slice between bones. There is also waste from scraps and bones that may offset savings.

The convenience of pre-portioned short ribs can be worth a slight premium. But for those comfortable cutting their own, whole racks are usually the better deal.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, beef short ribs are one of the pricier cuts of beef, generally ranging from $6-12 per pound retail. While not cheap, their succulent, meaty texture makes them worth the occasional splurge. Choosing alternate cuts, buying on sale, and purchasing bulk packages can lower the costs. For a special dinner, high-quality short ribs cooked properly will provide a steakhouse-worthy meal at home.