Name: Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef short ribs; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon thyme

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If you crave melt-in-your-mouth beef that feels like it’s been slow-cooked all day but only have an hour to spare, then this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These short ribs come out tender and bursting with rich flavor, all thanks to the magic of pressure cooking combined with a savory blend of garlic, herbs, and broth. It’s comfort food that’s fuss-free, impressive, and downright delicious every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients neatly arranged on a dark wooden surface. In the bottom right corner, three thick pieces of red meat with white fat marbling rest on brown paper on a white plate. To the left, a white bowl holds chopped green celery, another white bowl above it contains bright orange chopped carrots, and a third white bowl at the top has diced white onions. Small containers hold yellow oil and red tomato paste near the center. Towards the top right, salt and pepper grinders sit on a small wooden board, and a clear glass filled with dark red liquid is nearby. A glass measuring cup filled with light brown broth is at the top left. Green herbs and two bay leaves are spread out as garnishes. The background is a dark wood texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your beef short ribs is all about using the right ingredients. Each one is simple but essential, providing savory depth, aromatic warmth, and that beautiful sauce that clings to every bite.

3 pounds beef short ribs: Choose meaty ribs with some marbling for tenderness and flavor.
1 tablespoon oil: Helps develop a rich crust when searing, locking in juices.
1 onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish a punch of aroma and savory complexity.
1 cup beef broth: The backbone of the cooking liquid, infusing the ribs with robust flavor.
1/4 cup soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness and a subtle tang.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness, enhancing color and flavor.
1 teaspoon thyme: Herbaceous notes that perfectly complement beef.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning that amplifies every layer of the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Ribs

Begin by generously seasoning your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Heating the oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode, carefully sear each rib until browned on all sides. This creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices, which is the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the ribs and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion softens and turns translucent, releasing that wonderful savory aroma that will infuse your entire dish.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the beef broth, soy or Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme. This combination creates a rich, deep-flavored cooking liquid that keeps the ribs moist and tender during pressure cooking.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Return the seared ribs to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the sauce. Lock the lid in place and select high pressure for 45 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes to keep the ribs succulent before finishing with a quick release.

Step 5: Optional Gravy Thickening

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the ribs and stir in a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and cold water) while simmering on sauté mode until the gravy thickens to your liking.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

A white plate sits on a blue and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface, holding a serving of tender cooked meat on the bone with a rich, glossy brown sauce and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. Next to the meat is a generous layer of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes with a few green herbs on top. The sauce slightly pools around the meat and mashed potatoes, adding a shiny, appetizing touch. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The rich flavor of these short ribs pairs beautifully with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and fresh contrast to the deeply savory sauce, giving each bite an extra layer of freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve your Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or roasted root vegetables. These sides soak up the luscious sauce and complement the hearty meat, making your meal both filling and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, plate the ribs over a bed of garlic-infused risotto or atop steamed greens like kale or spinach. You can also shred the meat to tuck inside soft rolls for rich sliders that are perfect for casual dinners or entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover ribs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your meal even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Store ribs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for convenience-packed meals anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the meat tender and prevent the sauce from scorching, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can refresh the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in or boneless short ribs?

Bone-in short ribs are ideal because the bones add flavor and help keep the meat tender. However, boneless short ribs work well if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to sear the ribs first?

Searing is an important step for maximum flavor. It caramelizes the meat’s surface, which greatly enhances the depth of taste and texture in the finished dish.

Can I substitute the soy sauce?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce is a great alternative. If you need it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

After cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce on sauté mode until it reaches your desired thickness.

What side dishes pair best with Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

Classic comfort sides like mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or roasted vegetables are perfect, as they soak up the delicious sauce and complement the tender beef.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. It’s straightforward to make, delivers unforgettable flavors, and transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Trust me, these ribs will become a go-to dish you want to share with everyone you love. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to savor some seriously tender, savory beef bliss!