Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

These juicy, fall-apart tender instant pot beef short ribs are pressure cooked and coated in a flavorful gravy, plus, they’re so easy to make!

Why this recipe works

Ribs are an all around classic meal with tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich beefy flavor whether they’re baked in the oven, grilled, slow cooked, or tossed in the pressure cooker. Instant pot beef short ribs are an easy hands-off approach to making juicy ribs aside from a little assistance to brown the beef beforehand.

Making beef short ribs in the instant pot is actually really simple. You’ll start by searing the seasoned beef straight in the instant pot, then, add in your gravy ingredients and pressure cook away.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – We used bone-in beef short ribs for this recipe. You can certainly use boneless with the same instructions if preferred.

BOURBON – The alcohol content in this recipe is cooked out. It simply adds rich flavor to the beef. However, you can substitute the bourbon with additional beef broth if needed.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Rinse ribs in water and pat dry with paper towels.
   
   EXPERT TIP – The ribs on the right plate are what they should look like after rinsing.
   
   
2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the instant pot and turn on saute function.
3. Mix remaining olive oil with 1/2 tablespoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 tablespoon of garlic salt. With gloved hands, massage the mixture all over the ribs.
4. Saute ribs in the instant pot until browned on all sides.
5. Remove ribs.
6. Add broth, bourbon, remaining garlic salt, remaining smoked paprika, minced garlic, liquid smoke, and fresh thyme to the Instant Pot. Stir together.
7. Add ribs back to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Do a natural release (about 15 minutes).
8. Remove ribs and set aside to keep warm.
9. Turn the Instant Pot to the saute function.
10. Using a fork or small whisk, mix together the cornstarch and water. Add to the remaining liquid in the Instant Pot. Using the saute function, whisk occasionally until thickened.
11. Turn off Instant Pot and remove gravy to serve with ribs.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you should sear your beef in the instant pot before beginning. Searing the beef will add a delicate crust, plus bring forth further flavor in the meat just as you would do in most other recipes.

For juicy, fall-apart tender beef short ribs – aim for an internal temperature of around 190 – 205F read on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the rib.

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve instant pot beef short ribs over or alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, and green beans to name a few.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Salmon
• Instant Pot Beef Ribs
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork
• Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
• Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
• Instant Pot Ribs

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