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Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

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4.2 from 35 reviews

Fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot beef short ribs cooked in a rich, savory gravy with garlic, onions, and herbs. This pressure cooker short ribs recipe delivers deep, slow-braised flavor in a fraction of the time—perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Ingredients

Beef Short Ribs

  • 3 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Aromatics and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup red wine (optional, or substitute extra broth)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Season the Ribs: Pat short ribs dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the beefy flavor.
  2. Brown the Ribs: Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the short ribs on all sides in batches to develop flavor and color; then remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.
  4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook it for 1 minute to deepen the sauce flavor.
  5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift up any browned bits, which adds rich flavor.
  6. Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to build layers of savory taste.
  7. Pressure Cook: Return the browned short ribs to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 45 minutes to tenderize the meat quickly.
  8. Natural Release: Allow a 15-minute natural release to keep the ribs moist and tender, then carefully vent the remaining pressure.
  9. Thicken Sauce (Optional): Remove the ribs and, if desired, simmer the sauce on Sauté mode to reduce and thicken. For an extra-thick gravy, stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water and cook until thickened.
  10. Serve: Plate the ribs and generously spoon the rich sauce over them. Enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice.

Notes

  • Bone-in ribs provide the best flavor and tenderness.
  • For thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and simmer on sauté until thickened.
  • Short ribs pair well with mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free