Beef Short Ribs Instant Pot – Tender, Juicy, and Fall-Off-the-Bone Delicious
If you love rich, tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, then you’re in for a treat with this Beef Short Ribs Instant Pot recipe. These short ribs are pressure-cooked to perfection in a savory sauce made with red wine, garlic, onions, and herbs. The result? A comforting dish that tastes like it simmered all day — but only takes about an hour from start to finish.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even entertaining guests, this Instant Pot short ribs recipe will make you look like a kitchen pro with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these incredible Instant Pot beef short ribs — from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, serving ideas, and more!
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
- Quick and Easy: Forget hours of oven braising — the Instant Pot gets the same rich flavor and tenderness in a fraction of the time.
- Incredibly Tender: Pressure cooking breaks down the tough connective tissue in the ribs, resulting in juicy, fall-apart meat.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The red wine, garlic, and beef broth combine into a rich, velvety sauce perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love these ribs — the deep, beefy flavor and tender texture are irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make beef short ribs in the Instant Pot:
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in preferred for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
For the Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or beef bone broth for richer flavor)
- 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot; optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
To Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
How to Make Beef Short Ribs in the Instant Pot
Follow these simple steps to make the most tender Instant Pot beef short ribs ever:
Step 1: Season and Sear the Ribs
Start by patting the short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the short ribs for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
Pro Tip: Browning the ribs adds deep flavor to the sauce — don’t skip this step!
Remove the browned ribs and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another 30 seconds to release the aromas.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits — this is where the flavor lives!
Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs
Return the short ribs to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
Pressure cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10–15 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Remove the short ribs and set them aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water mixture, then stir it into the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the short ribs hot, spooning the rich sauce over the top. These pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttery polenta
- Rice or risotto
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Short Ribs
- Use bone-in ribs: They add deeper flavor and richness to the sauce.
- Don’t skip browning: It’s essential for that classic, slow-braised flavor.
- Let pressure release naturally: This helps keep the meat tender and prevents dryness.
- Use good-quality broth and wine: Since the sauce is a key part of the dish, use ingredients you’d enjoy drinking or eating.
- Make ahead: These ribs taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply reheat gently before serving.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations of Instant Pot beef short ribs:
- Asian-Style Short Ribs: Replace wine with soy sauce, add ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar.
- Beer-Braised Ribs: Use dark beer instead of wine for a rich, malty flavor.
- BBQ Short Ribs: Add a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce before pressure cooking for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the carrots and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of cornstarch.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
These hearty ribs deserve delicious sides! Try pairing them with:
- Mashed potatoes – the classic choice for soaking up that sauce.
- Buttered egg noodles – a simple yet comforting base.
- Cauliflower mash – a great low-carb option.
- Garlic green beans – for a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Crusty bread – perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- To Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container (with sauce) for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless short ribs?
Yes! Boneless short ribs work fine and cook the same way, though bone-in ribs have a richer flavor.
2. Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely. Replace the wine with extra beef broth and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for similar depth.
3. How long does it take to cook beef short ribs in the Instant Pot?
Cooking time is 45 minutes on high pressure plus 10–15 minutes natural release.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as the ribs fit comfortably below the max fill line of your Instant Pot. The cooking time stays the same.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof beef short ribs Instant Pot recipe, this one is a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, transforming tough beef into a rich, tender, and flavorful meal in under an hour. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides, and you’ve got comfort food at its best.
