Instant Pot Short Ribs

If there’s one dinner that feels like a big warm hug, it’s a plate of fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot Short Ribs. And when the Instant Pot is doing the heavy lifting? Even better. These Instant Pot Short Ribs are rich, tender, beautifully seasoned—and made extra special with a surprising splash of bourbon that brings out layers of deep, comforting flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest—short ribs usually sound like a “special occasion” kind of dish. But this recipe turns them into an any-night comfort food classic. The Instant Pot speeds things up while still giving you all the goodness of a slow braise. That means hearty, flavorful ribs with minimal effort and maximum reward.

What Makes These Short Ribs Extra Special?

A little bourbon. Yep, just a splash goes into the pot to deglaze the pan and give your sauce a subtle, smoky richness. It’s not overwhelming—but it adds depth that’ll make everyone wonder what your secret is. Don’t have bourbon? A bit of red wine, a shot of espresso, or even a splash of strong coffee works beautifully too.

Here’s What You’ll Need

• Beef Short Ribs – Bone-in is the way to go here. Give them a quick rinse and pat them bone-dry so they sear like a dream.
• Salt & Pepper – Be generous—this is your first layer of flavor.
• Garlic & Thyme – Aromatic, earthy, and essential.
• Onion & Carrot – These build that classic braised base.
• Paprika & Cayenne – Just enough heat to warm things up.
• Bourbon (or wine/coffee) – That secret splash!
• Beef or Chicken Stock – Homemade or good quality store-bought—whatever you’ve got.
• Tomato Paste or Crushed Tomatoes – For depth and body.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Short Ribs

Prep and Sear the Ribs

This is your hands-on moment. Rinse the ribs under cold water to remove bone dust, then dry them thoroughly—really thoroughly—with paper towels. Wet meat won’t sear well.

Generously season with salt and pepper. You can let them sit and soak up the seasoning for a bit, but no need to marinate for hours. The pressure cooker takes care of the flavor-building magic.

Sear the ribs in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Don’t crowd them—do it in batches so you get a good crust. This caramelization step adds so much flavor.

Build Your Braising Base

Once the ribs are done, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and herbs. Sauté just long enough to soften and pick up all the goodness from the bottom of the pot.

Pour in the bourbon (or your choice of deglazing liquid) to loosen up those flavorful brown bits. Let it simmer for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol.

Pressure Cook to Perfection

Return the ribs to the pot. Add your broth, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne, and any extra seasonings. Seal the lid, set your Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for about 45 minutes. Let it naturally release for 15 minutes, then do a quick release if needed.

The result? Incredibly tender, juicy short ribs swimming in a rich, savory sauce.

What to Serve with Short Ribs

These ribs are the star of the show—but they’re even better with the right sides. Here are a few favorites:

• Creamy mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes
• Cheesy polenta or grits
• Roasted root vegetables
• Crispy potato medallions
• Crusty sourdough to mop up the sauce

Got Leftovers? Here’s What to Do

If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully—and make for some seriously creative meals:

• Beef tacos with slaw and crema
• Breakfast omelets with shredded rib meat and peppers
• Grilled cheese with short rib filling
• Beef fried rice or noodle stir-fry
• Steak and eggs on a lazy weekend morning

Also try these Instant Pot recipe:-

• Instant Pot Orange Chicken
• Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken