I love short ribs, but for years, it was a dish I saved for special occasions. As a busy mom, finding the hours I needed to make them was hard. But what a difference my Instant Pot made! Now, I can make juicy, savory, fall-off-the-bone beef in a fraction of the time. This Instant Pot Short Ribs recipe is a family favorite and pops up in my meal rotation every couple of weeks. It’s a hands-off, make-ahead, foolproof meal that delivers big flavor with minimal prep and clean-up. It’s everything we love about ribs without spending all day in the kitchen! The richly marbled meat is a tougher cut, but it becomes a fall-off-the-bone flavor powerhouse when braised for hours! But here’s where a pressure cooker comes in handy to deliver a soul-satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal. 😉
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Short Ribs in an Instant Pot
Prep the Short Ribs
Season – Pat dry short ribs with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. (Photo 1) Sear – Set a large (6-quart) Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Once hot, add as many short ribs as possible without overcrowding the pan. Brown the short ribs until golden on all sides, about 3 minutes on each side. Repeat until all ribs have been seared, put them on a plate, and set aside. (Photos 2-3) Saute – Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Next, add tomato paste and brown sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until completely combined. (Photo 4)
Pressure Cook the Short Ribs
Liquid – Pour in the wine and broth and deglaze the pot by stirring and scraping the bottom to release any browned bits of flavor. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the thyme and rosemary. (Photo 5) Cook – Return the beef ribs to the Instant Pot in an even layer. Pour in the juices on the plate. Secure the lid and make sure the pressure valve is sealed. Turn the knob to Manual/High Pressure and cook for 45-50 minutes. (Photo 6) Finish – When the cooking time is finished, set it to Natural Release and let the pot sit undisturbed for 10-12 minutes. Then turn the steam release knob to vent to release the remaining pressure. When the pressure pin in the lid drops (indicating all pressure has been released), carefully open the pressure cooker and transfer the short ribs to a plate with tongs. Cover to keep warm. Remove Fat – Carefully skim excess fat from the top of the cooking liquid. Remove the thyme and rosemary stems and discard. Then, stir the balsamic vinegar into the sauce. Gravy – Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and simmer the sauce. Put about 2 tablespoons of the beef sauce in a small bowl, add the cornstarch, and whisk to thoroughly combine for a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into your sauce, whisking constantly. Continue adding the cornstarch slurry until you reach the desired thickness. (Photo 7) Season the gravy with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Serve – Return the short ribs to the pot, and add the green onions. Serve short ribs over your favorite creamy mashed potatoes topped with a spoon or two of the gravy. (Photo 8)
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
These ribs are crazy good the next day after the flavors meld. You can easily prepare them the day before and store them in the fridge or freezer (up to 6 months). Then reheat in the oven for about 20 minutes at 325℉ (160℃).
Serving and Storage Instructions
These short ribs are super straight from the Instant Pot over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes drizzled in gravy! Leftover short ribs store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days. Put the meat and sauce together to keep it tender and flavorful. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the oven when ready to eat. To store cooked ribs in the freezer, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw this deliciousness in the fridge overnight. Gently reheat it on the stove or in the oven.
What to Serve With Beef Short Ribs
For a comfort food feast, pile these beef short ribs on a pile of mushroom risotto or garlic mashed red potatoes. A fresh, vibrant tossed salad or Greek salad adds color and crunch to the meal.
More Easy-Peasy Beef Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Short ribs aren’t just for special occasions, thanks to these Instant Pot Short Ribs. Would you like more restaurant-worthy meal options? Check out my videos on YouTube for great midweek meal ideas!
