Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Introduction
Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs offer a rich, tender, and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe uses the magic of the pressure cooker to create fall-off-the-bone beef in just about an hour.

Ingredients
- 3 lb bone-in beef short ribs
- Sea salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 shallots (quartered)
- ½ lb cremini mushrooms (quartered)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 6 sprigs thyme (fresh preferred)
- ½ cup red wine (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil into the pot.
- Step 2: Season the short ribs with sea salt on all sides. Place them into the Instant Pot and sear until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the shallots and mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 7 minutes. If needed, deglaze the pot with a little water and scrape up the brown bits. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Add thyme, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine. Let the wine cook out for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Turn off Sauté mode. Pour in beef broth and bay leaves, stirring well. Return short ribs to the pot.
- Step 6: Lock the lid and set to High pressure for 1 hour. When done, use Natural Release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure. Carefully remove short ribs, keeping meat on the bone.
- Step 7: Pour about ¼ cup of cooking liquid into a small bowl. Add cornstarch and stir well.
- Step 8: Transfer remaining cooking liquid to a saucepan and heat on high. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture, cooking about 2 minutes until gravy thickens. Season with salt as needed.
- Step 9: Place short ribs on a serving plate, spoon over the sauce, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine for a tangier flavor and a non-alcoholic option.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the gravy before serving.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon dried thyme works as a substitute.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftover short ribs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs in this recipe?
Yes, boneless short ribs can be used, but they may cook slightly faster. Adjust pressure cooking time to about 45 minutes and check for tenderness.
Is there a way to make this recipe without red wine?
Absolutely. You can substitute red wine with balsamic vinegar or extra beef broth. Both options maintain rich flavor without alcohol.
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Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful beef short ribs cooked to perfection using an Instant Pot. This recipe combines seared short ribs with aromatic shallots, cremini mushrooms, and a rich red wine-infused sauce thickened with cornstarch for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs
- 3 lb bone-in beef short ribs
- Sea salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 shallots (quartered)
- ½ lb cremini mushrooms (quartered)
- 6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 6 sprigs thyme (fresh preferred)
- 2 bay leaves
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup red wine (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
- 1 ¼ cup beef broth
Thickening Agent and Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot and Sear Ribs: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Season the short ribs generously with sea salt on all sides. Once the oil is hot, place the ribs in the pot and sear them until brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the ribs and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the quartered shallots and mushrooms into the Instant Pot and sauté for 7 minutes. If browning residue sticks to the pot, deglaze with a little water and scrape the bottom to lift the flavorful bits. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season lightly with salt.
- Add Flavorings and Wine: Stir in the fresh thyme sprigs, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine. Allow the wine to cook down for 2 to 3 minutes, which helps to intensify the flavors and cook off the alcohol.
- Add Broth and Finish Prep for Pressure Cooking: Turn off the Sauté mode. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Return the seared short ribs into the pot, nestling them into the liquid and vegetables.
- Pressure Cook the Ribs: Secure the Instant Pot lid and lock it. Set the pressure to High and cook for 1 hour. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually before opening the lid. Remove the ribs carefully, keeping the meat on the bone intact.
- Prepare the Gravy: Pour about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid into a small bowl and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Transfer all the liquid from the Instant Pot to a saucepan placed on high heat. Gradually pour in the cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes until the gravy thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve: Arrange the short ribs on a serving plate, spoon the thickened sauce over the meat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute red wine with balsamic vinegar as suggested.
- Be sure to sear the ribs properly for maximum flavor and a beautiful crust.
- The natural release time after pressure cooking helps keep the meat tender.
- Adjust salt cautiously after thickening the gravy as flavors concentrate.
- Use fresh thyme for the best aroma and flavor in the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot beef short ribs, pressure cooker beef ribs, beef rib recipe, comforting beef stew, red wine beef ribs, tender short ribs