Name: Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-490357H46M19S
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients: 3–4 lbs beef short ribs; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar or red wine; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp rosemary; 1 tsp thyme

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If you are craving a dish that brings rich, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth beef to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, look no further. This Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is a game-changer, delivering fall-off-the-bone goodness infused with savory garlic, herbs, and a deep, flavorful broth—all made quickly with the magic of pressure cooking. Perfect for cozy family meals or special occasions when you want something indulgent that won’t keep you waiting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds several large pieces of raw red meat with white fat marbling, placed on the lower right. To its left, two white bowls stack diced orange carrots and chopped white onions. Above these, a small white bowl contains finely minced garlic. Moving upward, there is a small white bowl with amber-colored liquid, and next to it, a small white bowl filled with black liquid. To the right, a tiny white bowl contains salt, sitting beside a white bowl with white powder. Above these, two small white bowls hold green dried herbs and bright red paste. Scattered near the top right are fresh green bay leaves and small sprigs of thyme. A glass mug with dark brown liquid sits near the meat, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient works together to build layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From aromatic herbs to the acidity of balsamic vinegar that balances the richness of the meat, every element is essential to perfecting these short ribs.

3–4 lbs beef short ribs: Choose well-marbled ribs for the most tender and flavorful results.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sear the ribs, locking in juices and adding caramelized flavor.
1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks down.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat with savory aroma and complexity.
1 cup beef broth: Acts as the cooking liquid and forms the base of the rich sauce.
¼ cup balsamic vinegar or red wine: Provides a subtle tang and enhances the savory notes.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds body, acidity, and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and deepens the flavor profile.
1 tsp rosemary: Offers a fragrant, piney touch that pairs perfectly with beef.
1 tsp thyme: Brings earthiness and light herbal hints to round out the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Ribs

Start by generously seasoning your beef short ribs with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning draws out the natural flavors of the meat. Next, set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and heat olive oil. Carefully sear the short ribs on all sides until they develop a deep, golden-brown crust. This caramelization locks in juices and adds a wonderful depth to the final dish. Remove the ribs and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. The fond left behind from searing the ribs mingles with the onions and garlic, creating a powerful flavor base that will enrich the cooking liquid and the overall dish.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, stir in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar or red wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients blend beautifully, balancing acidity, sweetness, and umami to elevate every bite of your short ribs.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Return the seared ribs to the pot, layering them gently in the liquid. Sprinkle rosemary and thyme evenly over the top. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook at High Pressure for 45 minutes. This step is where those tough short ribs transform into tender, succulent meat.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes to let the meat settle and retain juices. After that, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Remove the ribs from the pot and spoon the luscious sauce over the top. If you prefer a thicker glaze, switch back to Sauté mode and simmer the sauce further or add a quick cornstarch slurry for that perfect consistency.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with three thick pieces of dark brown meat on top of a creamy, white mashed layer. The meat is covered in a rich, glossy brown sauce that pools around the edges, with fine textured bits visible in the sauce. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top of the meat for color contrast. A shiny silver fork is placed inside the bowl, resting on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme make a lovely finishing touch, adding pops of color and fresh flavor. For a little zing, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a tiny spoonful of whole grain mustard alongside the ribs can brighten the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich sauce perfectly. Roasted root vegetables or buttered green beans add color and balance. For a bit of freshness, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a brilliant contrast to the richness of the ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the ribs stacked on a large wooden cutting board, surrounded by roasted vegetables and topped with plenty of sauce. Another option is plating each rib alongside creamy polenta or buttery egg noodles, ladling sauce generously over the meat and sides for an elegant, restaurant-quality feel at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe keeps incredibly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the ribs submerged in the cooking sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor—no one likes dry reheated ribs!

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly when stored properly. Freeze ribs and sauce together in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the Instant Pot using the Sauté mode.

Reheating

Reheat your short ribs slowly to retain tenderness. Use low heat on the stovetop or the Instant Pot’s Sauté function, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to prevent drying out this gorgeous, saucy dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen short ribs for this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen short ribs. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the pressure cooking time to ensure they cook through completely.

How do I get the sauce thicker?

After pressure cooking, switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode to simmer the sauce and reduce it. Alternatively, stir in a mixture of cornstarch and cold water (a slurry) to thicken quickly.

What can I add to the recipe for more veggies?

Carrots, potatoes, and celery make excellent additions. Add them in before sealing the pot so they cook together with the ribs and absorb that amazing flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Check the label to be sure.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Brown the ribs on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe truly brings together convenience and indulgence in one unforgettable dish. It’s perfect for anyone craving restaurant-quality short ribs without the wait. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked short ribs any other way. Gather your ingredients, fire up the Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a meal full of warmth, flavor, and love.