Best Instant Pot Short Ribs

There’s nothing quite like a plate of melt-in-your-mouth short ribs , rich, tender, and bursting with deep, savory flavor.

Traditionally, making braised short ribs takes hours in the oven, but thanks to the Instant Pot, this luxurious comfort food can now be on your table in just over an hour. Whether you’re gathering the family for Sunday dinner or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, these Instant Pot short ribs will make you look like a seasoned chef without spending all day in the kitchen.

I first fell in love with short ribs on a chilly winter evening when a friend served me a bowl of slow-braised ribs over creamy mashed potatoes. The aroma alone was unforgettable, a mix of garlic, beef broth , and herbs. Later, I discovered the Instant Pot could recreate that same magic in a fraction of the time. After a few test runs (and a few too many taste tests), I perfected this foolproof recipe. It’s now my go-to dish when I crave something hearty and indulgent, yet easy enough for a weekday dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs
   Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt on all sides. Dry ribs sear better, locking in flavor and creating that irresistible golden crust.
2. Sear in the Instant Pot
   Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and let it heat for about a minute. Add olive oil. Working in batches, sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step, browning develops the rich, beefy flavor that makes the sauce irresistible. Transfer seared ribs to a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and you can smell the fragrant aroma of garlic and onion mingling with the beef drippings.
4. Deglaze the Pot
   Pour in the 1 cup beef broth and stir, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits, known as “fond,” are packed with flavor and enrich the sauce beautifully. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients
   Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth, mixing until well combined. Return the short ribs (and any accumulated juices) to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the ribs.
6. Pressure Cook
   Secure the lid, ensure the steam valve is set to “Sealing,” and switch your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens, the once-tough ribs transform into fork-tender perfection.
7. Natural Release
   When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Then carefully move the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam. Open the lid, and prepare for the mouthwatering aroma to fill your kitchen.
8. Finish the Sauce
   Transfer the ribs to a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes, reducing it to a luscious, slightly thickened glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Place the short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or fluffy rice. Spoon the rich sauce over the top for that glossy, restaurant-style finish. Every bite will be tender, juicy, and bursting with bold, comforting flavor.

Tips

• Variations: Add 2 large carrots or parsnips (cut into chunks) before pressure cooking for a complete one-pot meal. You can also sprinkle in fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy, herbal note.
• Storage: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully, just warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth.
• Freezing: These ribs freeze exceptionally well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Cooking Advice: Browning is the key step, don’t skip it. This step adds caramelized depth to the beef, creating a complex flavor that pressure cooking alone can’t achieve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Taste: Every bite delivers layers of flavor, smoky seared meat, rich sauce infused with tomato and wine, and that soft fall-off-the-bone texture we all crave.
• Time-Saving: Traditional short ribs can take 3–4 hours; the Instant Pot cuts this down to about an hour, yielding the same tender results.
• Beginner-Friendly: The recipe looks fancy but follows simple, foolproof steps perfect for home cooks just starting out.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the flavors, make it spicy with chili flakes, sweet with a dash of honey, or earthy with fresh herbs.
• Comfort and Warmth: The rich aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel cozy. This dish is soul food, comforting, filling, and best shared with loved ones.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
   Yes. You can brown the ribs and then braise them in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 2½–3 hours until tender.
2. Do I need to use bone-in short ribs?
   Bone-in ribs yield a deeper, richer flavor, but boneless short ribs still work great if that’s what you have, just reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.
3. Can I add vegetables to the pot?
   Absolutely! Add chunks of carrots, celery, or potatoes before sealing the lid for a heartier meal.
4. How do I thicken the sauce?
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Stir it into the sauce while simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.

If you’re looking for an impressive meal that involves minimal effort yet tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen, this Best Instant Pot Short Ribs recipe is your perfect match. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll achieve rich, velvety ribs swimming in a silky, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re feeding guests or treating yourself, every bite is pure comfort.

The next time you want something deeply satisfying but don’t want to spend hours cooking, bring out your Instant Pot and let it work its magic. One whiff of that aromatic sauce bubbling away, and you’ll know you’ve struck recipe gold. Serve it up, take a moment to savor the aroma, and enjoy the applause when everyone at the table takes their first bite. These short ribs don’t just feed your stomach, they feed your soul.