Name: Best Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe: Fall-off-the-Bone Delicious!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 ½ cups non-alcoholic red wine alternative (or beef broth + 1 tbsp red wine vinegar); 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening); 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instant Pot Short Ribs are a culinary revelation, transforming a classic comfort food into an accessible weeknight masterpiece. For generations, short ribs have been cherished for their incredibly rich flavor and ability to become supremely tender after hours of slow simmering. Traditionally, this was a dish reserved for weekends or special occasions, demanding patience and a long time over the stove. However, I’ve found that the magic of the Instant Pot changes everything, allowing us to achieve that same luxurious, fall-off-the-bone tenderness in a fraction of the time. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any table and embodying the essence of cozy, hearty dining.

What I particularly adore about preparing short ribs in the Instant Pot is the unparalleled convenience without compromising on quality. Imagine deeply savory, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, all ready without the all-day commitment. This method truly unlocks the potential of Instant Pot Short Ribs, making them a viable option even on busy evenings. I promise you, mastering this recipe will not only elevate your home cooking but also impress anyone you serve with its depth of flavor and tender perfection.

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, cut into 2-3 inch pieces (about 6-8 ribs)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped into ½-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ cups dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
For optional thickening: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Short Ribs

Prepare the Short Ribs: First things first, let’s get those beautiful short ribs ready. I always start by patting the short ribs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This might seem like a small step, but it’s absolutely crucial for achieving that deep, beautiful sear we’re looking for. Moisture on the surface prevents browning, and browning equals flavor, so don’t skip this!
Season Generously: Once they are nice and dry, generously season all sides of the short ribs with the coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here; these are big, meaty cuts of beef that can handle a good amount of seasoning. The salt and pepper will create a wonderful crust during searing and penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall flavor of your Instant Pot Short Ribs.

Searing and Building Flavors

Sear the Short Ribs: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on “More” (high). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add a few short rib pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. We want to sear these in batches, allowing enough space for each piece to develop a deep brown crust on all sides. This will likely take about 3-5 minutes per side. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it, and we want maximum flavor development! As each batch is beautifully browned, transfer the ribs to a plate and set aside. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and short ribs until all pieces are seared. The smell alone at this stage will start to make your mouth water – it’s the foundation for truly incredible Instant Pot Short Ribs.
Sauté Aromatics: With the ribs removed, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. There will be some delicious brown bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pot, which is exactly what we want! Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and start to release their fragrant aromas. As they cook, gently scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to loosen any remaining fond. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of our sauce.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Now, add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Cooking the tomato paste for a minute or two helps to deepen its flavor and mellow out its acidity, giving a richer, more complex taste to your sauce. The garlic will become incredibly fragrant at this stage.
Deglaze with Red Wine: This is a critical step for flavor. Pour in the dry red wine. Immediately use your wooden spoon or spatula to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring all those flavorful browned bits (fond) that were stuck from searing the short ribs and sautéing the vegetables are fully released. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all those concentrated flavors into our liquid, forming the rich foundation of your sauce. Let the wine simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and for some of the alcohol to cook off. You’ll notice the liquid thickening a bit and the aroma becoming intensely savory.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the low-sodium beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Then, add the fresh rosemary sprigs, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves directly into the pot. These herbs will infuse the liquid with their earthy, aromatic notes as the short ribs cook. At this point, I like to taste the liquid and adjust the seasoning if needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will concentrate as the dish cooks.

Pressure Cooking Magic

Return Ribs to Pot: Carefully arrange the seared short ribs back into the Instant Pot, nesting them into the liquid and vegetables. Try to ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. If some pieces are sticking out slightly, that’s okay, but try to get as much contact with the flavorful liquid as possible.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 45 minutes on “High” pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 15-20 minutes. This means you do nothing and let the pressure come down on its own. Why natural release? For tougher cuts of meat like short ribs, natural pressure release is essential. It allows the muscle fibers to relax slowly, preventing the meat from becoming tough or dry, and results in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot Short Ribs. After 15-20 minutes, if there is still pressure, carefully switch the vent to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, it’s safe to open the lid.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Remove Ribs and Thicken Sauce (Optional): Carefully remove the tender short ribs from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a clean platter. You can loosely cover them with foil to keep them warm while you finish the sauce. Discard the rosemary, thyme stems, and bay leaves from the pot – their work is done!
Reduce or Thicken the Sauce: Now, let’s turn that liquid into a luscious sauce. You have a couple of options here, depending on your preference.
- Option A (Naturally Reduced): If you prefer a thinner, au jus-style sauce, you can simply press the “Sauté” function on “Less” (low) and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly to your desired consistency. The flavors will concentrate beautifully.
- Option B (Thickened with Slurry): For a thicker, gravy-like sauce, which is what I often prefer for these rich Instant Pot Short Ribs, keep the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” function. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce in the Instant Pot. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your liking. It will coat the back of a spoon. Be patient, it thickens as it simmers.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the finished sauce and adjust for salt and pepper one last time. Sometimes, after reducing, the flavors become more intense, and a final touch of seasoning can make all the difference.
Serve and Garnish: Return the fall-off-the-bone short ribs to the Instant Pot, gently nesting them back into the luxurious sauce, or place them on individual plates. Ladle that amazing sauce generously over the ribs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy Your Masterpiece: These Instant Pot Short Ribs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, egg noodles, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables. The rich, savory meat and the deep, flavorful sauce make for an unforgettable meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your Instant Pot did most of the hard work. Prepare for compliments; this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a staple in my kitchen!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most satisfying and impressive dishes you can master in your kitchen with surprisingly little effort. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience culinary magic, transforming humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The sheer depth of flavor, the unbelievably tender meat that practically melts off the bone with just the gentlest nudge of a fork – it’s a revelation, especially when achieved with the speed and convenience of modern appliances. If you’ve ever been intimidated by braised dishes or thought they required hours of constant attention, this recipe is here to prove you gloriously wrong. It’s a testament to how incredible home cooking can be, offering restaurant-quality results that will undoubtedly impress anyone you share them with, and most importantly, bring immense joy to your own palate.

Why These Short Ribs Are an Absolute Game-Changer

Let me reiterate why these short ribs are an absolute must-try. First, there’s the unparalleled tenderness. Thanks to the pressure cooking method, you achieve fall-off-the-bone perfection in a fraction of the time traditional braising would demand. This means less waiting and more savoring. Second, the rich, complex flavor profile. Every ingredient plays its part, building layers of savory goodness that culminate in a sauce so delicious you’ll want to lick the plate clean. It’s hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying, making it the ideal meal for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner party. Finally, the ease. Despite the gourmet outcome, the actual hands-on time is minimal. You sear, you deglaze, you set the timer, and then you relax. That’s the beauty of it all – maximum impact for minimum fuss. These Instant Pot Short Ribs are not just a meal; they’re an experience, a delightful journey for your taste buds, promising warmth and comfort in every single bite. It’s the kind of dish that becomes an instant classic in your repertoire, one you’ll return to again and again because it simply never disappoints.

Elevate Your Plate: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

Now that you’ve created this masterpiece, let’s talk about how to serve it to truly make it sing. My absolute favorite pairing is with a generous helping of creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes. The velvety texture of the potatoes is the perfect foil for the rich, robust sauce, allowing it to soak up every last drop of that incredible flavor. But don’t stop there! Another fantastic option is a luxurious polenta – smooth and buttery, it provides a beautiful canvas. For those who love a bit of Italian flair, a saffron risotto or even some wide pappardelle pasta are sensational choices, letting the noodles or grains absorb all the delicious juices.

Beyond the Classics: Creative Sides to Consider

Don’t forget your greens! Simple steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a vibrant green bean almondine will add freshness and balance to the meal. For a different twist, consider serving with a sweet potato mash or a parsnip puree for an earthy sweetness that complements the savory meat beautifully.

Exciting Flavor Variations to Explore

And if you’re feeling adventurous, these short ribs are incredibly versatile! For an Asian-inspired spin, try adding a splash of soy sauce, a hint of ginger, and some star anise to the braising liquid. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Or, if you prefer a Mediterranean vibe, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a touch of fresh oregano. You could even go for a smoky BBQ interpretation by adding a dash of liquid smoke and your favorite barbecue seasoning during the braise. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this incredible dish to your personal taste and mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment; the core technique is so robust, it can handle a little creative flair!

Your Culinary Journey Starts Now!

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. It’s more than just cooking; it’s about creating moments, sharing joy, and savoring incredible flavors. Trust me, the aroma filling your kitchen alone will be worth the effort, and that first tender bite will confirm it. I’m genuinely excited for you to experience the magic of these tender, flavorful short ribs yourself. Once you’ve made them, please come back and tell me all about it! Did you stick to the classic? Did you try a new variation? What did your family and friends think? I absolutely love hearing about your culinary adventures. Share your photos, your triumphs, and any clever tweaks you made in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the joy of home cooking together. Happy cooking, my friends!