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Tender Instant Pot Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

instant pot red wine braised short ribs - featured image

A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe for tender, juicy short ribs braised in red wine with garlic, herbs, and a rich sauce, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
  • Salt and black pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Pat 3 pounds of beef short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Brown the ribs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove ribs and set aside.
  3. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook another minute.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Pour 1 ½ cups dry red wine into the pot while scraping up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  6. Add 2 cups beef broth, 3-4 sprigs thyme, 2 sprigs rosemary, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional).
  7. Nestle the seared ribs back into the liquid, partially submerged.
  8. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 45 minutes. Allow 10-15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before timing starts.
  9. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  10. Remove ribs and herbs from the pot and set aside. Switch to ‘Sauté’ mode and simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  11. Serve ribs with sauce spooned over, alongside mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not skip searing the ribs to lock in flavor and develop a rich sauce color. Use a wine you enjoy drinking for best flavor. Natural pressure release helps keep meat tender. If sauce is too thin, whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with cold water and simmer until thickened. Adjust salt at the end to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, short ribs, red wine, braised, easy dinner, comfort food, pressure cooker, beef recipe