Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs – A Rich, Hearty Meal

Introduction

Recipe for Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs —tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs cooked in a flavorful broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal, this dish delivers deep, savory flavors without the need for wine. Instead, we use a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a few key aromatics to create a rich, hearty sauce that complements the beef. With help from our virtual chef, Elonore Chef IA, we’ll guide you through making this comforting and satisfying meal in your Instant Pot.

Elonore Chef IA’s Tip:

“Be sure to sear the short ribs before pressure cooking. This step locks in flavor and ensures a nice, caramelized crust on the outside of the meat.”

A Brief History of Short Ribs

Short ribs are a cut of beef taken from the lower portion of the rib section. Known for their rich, beefy flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked, short ribs are often a go-to dish for comfort food lovers. Traditionally, they’re braised for hours in the oven or on the stovetop, but with the Instant Pot, you can achieve that same level of tenderness in a fraction of the time.

While many recipes for beef short ribs include red wine for added depth of flavor, this version skips the wine without sacrificing taste. The result is still rich and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs : Perfect Occasions

This Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs recipe is perfect for:

• Hearty Family Dinners: A comforting meal to share with loved ones, especially during cooler weather.
• Weeknight Meals: The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking time, making it easy to enjoy a rich, slow-cooked meal on a busy weeknight.
• Meal Prep: Make a batch of short ribs to enjoy throughout the week; they reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
• Special Occasions: With its impressive presentation and decadent flavor, this dish is ideal for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays.

Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal that’s hearty and satisfying.

Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in or boneless) 🥩
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1 large onion (sliced) 🧅
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄
• 2 cups beef broth 🥣
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Short Ribs

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil 🫒. Season the short ribs 🥩 generously with salt 🧂 and pepper, then sear them in the Instant Pot for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the ribs and set them aside.

2. Cook the Onions and Garlic

Add the sliced onions 🧅 to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic 🧄 and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Deglaze and Add Broth

Pour in 2 cups of beef broth 🥣 and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step ensures all the flavor is incorporated into the sauce. Stir in the tomato paste 🍅, Worcestershire sauce, thyme 🌿, and bay leaf.

4. Pressure Cook the Short Ribs

Return the seared short ribs 🥩 to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the broth. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

5. Thicken the Sauce and Serve

Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes to thicken it slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt 🧂 and pepper as needed. Serve the short ribs with the sauce drizzled over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley 🌿 if desired.

Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs : Nutritional Benefits

Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs provide a rich source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron and zinc. Using beef broth 🥣 and Worcestershire sauce instead of wine helps to keep the flavor profile deep and savory while also making the dish accessible to those avoiding alcohol.

Short ribs contain healthy fats, but if you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can remove excess fat from the broth after cooking by skimming it off before serving. Additionally, pairing this dish with a side of vegetables like carrots, green beans, or a fresh salad adds balance to the meal.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Cooking

• Instant Pot: The star of this recipe, it significantly cuts down cooking time while ensuring the short ribs are perfectly tender.
• Tongs: For searing the short ribs and easily transferring them in and out of the Instant Pot.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for deglazing the pot and stirring the sauce.
• Serving Platter: To beautifully present the finished short ribs at the table.

Health Considerations and Precautions

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Option: For a lower sodium version, opt for low-sodium beef broth and adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to taste.
• Allergy Considerations: Always check for any allergens in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce if you’re cooking for someone with food sensitivities.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the short ribs up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooked short ribs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan or the Instant Pot before serving.

2. Can I freeze Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs?

Absolutely! Once cooled, transfer the short ribs and sauce to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

3. What other sides go well with this dish?

In addition to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, polenta, or creamy risotto make excellent side dishes for these rich short ribs.

This Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs recipe is a showstopper of a meal without the need for wine. The Instant Pot makes it easy to achieve tender, flavorful meat in under an hour, perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to tag us with #Recipesify! For more cozy dinner ideas, check out our Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe for another hearty favorite.