• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Main Course
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Appetizers
    • Low Carb and Keto
  • Kitchen Product Reviews
  • This for That
My Kitchen Serenity
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Main Course
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Dips and Appetizers
  • Low Carb and Keto
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
  • ×
    Home » Main Course » Instant Pot Beef Ribs

    Instant Pot Beef Ribs

    Published: Dec 14, 2023 · Modified: Dec 14, 2023 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Image of cooked beef ribs on a bed of mashed potatoes with onions and carrots scattered around for saving to Pinterest.

    The taste of Instant Pot Beef Ribs is nothing short of sensational. Picture fall-off-the-bone rich and tender beef ribs cooked in a flavorful broth infused with the deep tones of balsamic vinegar and dry red wine with a touch of sweetness from honey. Yes!!

    Onions and carrots are cooked with the ribs and broth so they absorb all the delicious flavors and make it a complete meal. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves add layers of delicious flavors.

    Cooked beef ribs on a bed of mashed potatoes with onions and carrots scattered around.
    Jump to:
    • Why the Instant Pot is Great
    • Why You'll Love These Ribs
    • Ingredients You Need
    • Substitutions and Additions
    • How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs
    • How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs
    • Recipe Tips
    • How to Make Ahead
    • Storing and Reheating Leftovers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Instant Pot Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why the Instant Pot is Great

    The Instant Pot is a versatile and popular kitchen appliance for several reasons. It can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and even a yogurt maker. It cooks food quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals and families. You can set it and leave it to cook, freeing up time for other tasks.

    Why You'll Love These Ribs

    Instant Pot Beef Ribs are a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal. The savory tenderness of bone-in beef short ribs, combined with a medley of vegetables and flavorful herbs, creates a dish that's not only a taste sensation but also a perfect solution for busy families looking for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

    Ingredients You Need

    Ingredients measured out in individual containers.
    1. Beef Short Ribs: The star of the show, these ribs provide the hearty and meaty foundation.
    2. Chopped Onions and Carrots: These aromatic vegetables contribute to the overall flavor profile and add a touch of sweetness.
    3. Cloves: These aromatic spices add warmth and depth to the broth.
    4. Beef Broth: Provides a rich and savory base for the dish.
    5. Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet note to enhance the overall taste.
    6. Dry Red Wine: Infuses the dish with robust flavors and complements the beef.
    7. Honey: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
    8. Rosemary, Thyme, and Bay Leaves: A trio of herbs that elevates the flavors.

    Substitutions and Additions

    • You can substitute the dry red wine with beef broth if needed.
    • For a touch of smokiness, you could add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
    • Celery adds a subtle, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch. It's a classic choice in many savory dishes.
    • Choose red, green, or yellow bell peppers for a slightly sweet and colorful alternative. They can bring a vibrant touch to the dish.
    • If you enjoy the umami flavor, mushrooms are an excellent choice. They add depth and a meaty texture to the overall dish.
    • Cubed potatoes can absorb the savory flavors of the broth while providing a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
    • Offering a milder flavor than onions, leeks can be a great substitute. Ensure you clean them thoroughly, as leeks tend to accumulate dirt between their layers.

    How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs

    This is just a short summary of the recipe steps; be sure to follow the recipe card when you get ready to make these ribs.

    Step 1 - Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Activate the "Sauté" function on the Instant Pot and sear the ribs on each side. Transfer seared ribs to a plate and set aside.

    Seared ribs in the Instant Pot.

    Step 2 - Add the remaining olive oil, yellow onion, and carrots into the Instant Pot. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables achieve a golden brown color. Add garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 60 seconds.

    Carrots and onions added to the beef ribs in the Instant Pot.

    Step 3 - Pour in the broth, balsamic vinegar, red wine, and honey. Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes before switching off the unit.

    Step 4 - Place the seared short ribs back into the pot, and add the bay leaves and fresh herbs. Cover with the lid and secure it in place. Adjust the vent to "Sealing" and select the "Manual" setting for a duration of 45 minutes.

    Rosemary, thyme, and garlic cloves added to the pot.

    Step 5 - Once the cook time is finished, carefully move the short ribs and carrots to a serving platter, covering them to keep them warm. Set aside. Use an immersion blender to smooth out the pan sauces. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

    Broth mixture that has been blended with an immersion blender inside the pot.

    Step 6 - Immediately serve the short ribs and carrots over a bed of mashed potatoes, cooked rice, cooked noodles, or mashed cauliflower. Drizzle with some of the sauce and serve promptly.

    Cooked beef ribs on a bed of mashed potatoes with onions and carrots scattered around.

    How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs

    My favorite way to serve this is over creamy mashed potatoes or hot buttered noodles. You can also serve them over cooked rice or eat them as-is right out of the pot!

    Recipe Tips

    1. Sear the ribs for fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy ribs.
    2. Use quality beef broth for a richer taste.
    3. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your preference.
    4. Experiment with different herb combinations or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
    5. Allow a natural pressure release to keep the meat tender and juicy.

    How to Make Ahead

    Prepare the recipe up to the point of pressure cooking, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, resume the cooking process.

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, use the microwave or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

    You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are my short ribs tough in the instant pot?

    Short ribs are a tough cut of meat that requires enough cooking time to become tender. Make sure there's enough broth, sear the ribs, and let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure.

    Does the 3 2 1 method work for beef short ribs?

    While the 3-2-1 method can result in tender pork ribs, it might overcook or dry out beef short ribs, which are better suited for longer cooking times at lower temperatures.

    Are ribs better in slow cooker or pressure cooker?

    It depends on your priorities. If you value tenderness and have less time, a pressure cooker might be preferable. If you prioritize depth of flavor and have the time to let the meat slowly absorb seasonings, a slow cooker might be the better choice.

    Cooked beef ribs on a bed of mashed potatoes with onions and carrots scattered around.

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    • Cooked mushroom rice in brown bowl with spoon on the side.
      Instant Pot Mushroom Rice
    • Cooked cheeseburger soup in white bowl with spoon in the background.
      Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
    • cooked soup in square black bowl with navy napkin and spoon in background
      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese and Potato Soup
    • Tomato soup in white bowl with three croutons and fresh basil on top.
      Instant Pot Tomato Soup

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment! I'd love to hear from you.

    If you'd like more easy recipes sent straight to your email, subscribe and get a free 5-day meal plan! How easy is that!

    Recipe

    Cooked beef ribs on a bed of mashed potatoes with onions and carrots scattered around.

    Instant Pot Beef Ribs

    Rich and tender beef short ribs cooked in a flavorful broth with carrots and onions in your Instant Pot. Fall off the bone tender in 1-½ hours.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Dinner, Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Natural Release: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 725kcal
    Author: Anne Clark

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients

    • 4* lbs beef short ribs
    • light sprinkling of salt and black pepper
    • 2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
    • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
    • 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
    • 3-4 cloves garlic
    • ½ c beef broth
    • ¼ c dry red wine
    • ¼ c balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon honey
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
    • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Bring short ribs to room temperature before cooking. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. Season the ribs with a little salt and pepper.
      4* lbs beef short ribs, light sprinkling of salt and black pepper
    • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Activate the "Sauté" function on the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned short ribs and sear them on each side for about 2-3 minutes per side. If needed, work in batches, adding additional olive oil as required. Transfer seared ribs to a plate and set aside.
      2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
    • Add the remaining olive oil, yellow onion, and carrots into the Instant Pot. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables achieve a golden brown color, typically taking around 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 60 seconds.
      1 medium yellow onion, chopped, 2 large carrots, cut into chunks, 3-4 cloves garlic
    • Pour in the broth, balsamic vinegar, red wine, and honey. With a wooden spoon, stir the ingredients to blend, gently scraping loose any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes before switching off the unit.
      ½ c beef broth, ¼ c dry red wine, ¼ c balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoon honey
    • Place the seared short ribs back into the pot, and add the bay leaves and fresh herbs. Cover with the lid and secure it in place. Adjust the vent to "Sealing" and select the "Manual" setting for a duration of 45 minutes.
      2 bay leaves, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
    • Once the cook time is finished, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. If needed, manually release any remaining pressure.
    • Take off the lid and discard the bay leaves and woody stems from the rosemary and thyme. Carefully move the short ribs and carrots to a serving platter, covering them to retain warmth. Set aside.
    • Use an immersion blender to smooth out the pan sauces. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
    • Immediately serve the short ribs and carrots over a bed of mashed potatoes, cooked rice, cooked noodles, or mashed cauliflower. Drizzle with some of the sauce and serve promptly.

    Notes

    My favorite way to serve this is over creamy mashed potatoes or hot buttered noodles. You can also serve them over cooked rice or eat them as-is right out of the pot! Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the flavors.
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    *You can use 3-½ to 4 pounds of beef short ribs.
    lbs = pounds
    tsp = teaspoon
    tbsp = tablespoon
    c = cup
     
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 725kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 1390mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 6043IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 8mg

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Chicken Broccoli Penne Alfredo
    Easy Ginger Miso Salmon »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Overhead view of a bowl of etoufee with white rice. Sliced green onions for garnish. With sliced, toasted French bread in the background.
      Cajun Crawfish Etouffee
    • Easy Lemon Lush Dessert
    • One cooked and seasoned pork chop with a pat of butter on top on a white serving plate.
      Easy Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops
    • Baked meatball sliders on white serving platter.
      Easy Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

    Seasonal Favorites

    • baked cornbread dressing in white rectangular casserole dish with wooden serving spatula on the side
      Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin
      Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • baked cheese macaroni in white oblong casserole dish with silver spoon scooping
      Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
      Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • baked casserole in a white oblong dish with one serving removed and wooden spoon sitting on top of casserole
      Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
    • baked squares on white oblong platter and round plate
      Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • brats in buns topped with red, green, and yellow bell pepper strips on top. Sauerkraut in bowl in background.
      How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • baked beans in white bowl
      Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • rotel chicken spaghetti in blue bowl with white napkin and fork
      Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • three baked muffins on white plate
      Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice
      Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cooked Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in pan with toasted french bread on the side
      Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Red beans and sausage next to rice on brown plate with cornbread on the side.
      Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
    • Baked chicken breast with potato wedges and green salad on the side.
      Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Baked Casserole in white oblong dish with wooden spoon
      Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background
      Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Three layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in between the layers and on top. Sides not frosted.
      Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
    • A slice of cake topped with two of mandarin orange segments and mint leaves on a square white plate with a fork.
      Mandarin Orange Cake
    • Roasted sliced okra piled high in a brown bowl on a wooden serving platter with a spoon on the side.
      Roasted Frozen Okra
    • Baked casserole in white baking dish with wooden spoon removing a serving.
      Quick and Easy Chicken Divan

    Seasonal Favorites

    • baked cornbread dressing in white rectangular casserole dish with wooden serving spatula on the side
      Southern Cornbread Dressing
    • Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin
      Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • baked cheese macaroni in white oblong casserole dish with silver spoon scooping
      Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
      Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • baked casserole in a white oblong dish with one serving removed and wooden spoon sitting on top of casserole
      Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
    • baked squares on white oblong platter and round plate
      Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • brats in buns topped with red, green, and yellow bell pepper strips on top. Sauerkraut in bowl in background.
      How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • baked beans in white bowl
      Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • rotel chicken spaghetti in blue bowl with white napkin and fork
      Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • three baked muffins on white plate
      Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice
      Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cooked Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya in pan with toasted french bread on the side
      Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Red beans and sausage next to rice on brown plate with cornbread on the side.
      Easy Cajun Red Beans and Rice
    • Baked chicken breast with potato wedges and green salad on the side.
      Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Baked Casserole in white oblong dish with wooden spoon
      Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • fried green tomatoes stacked on white plate with shrimp creole sauce poured on top
      Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • cooked jambalaya in pan on wooden table with glass of water and white bowl on the side and blue and white striped kitchen towel in the background
      Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Footer

    collage of all featured articles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    65 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.