Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful sauce made with fall-apart tender beef short ribs simmered in tomatoes, wine, and aromatics. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the slow-cooked comfort of traditional ragu in a fraction of the time. Serve it over pappardelle, polenta, or mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fork-tender short ribs – Pressure cooking delivers deep, meaty flavor in less than 90 minutes.
• Restaurant-quality flavor – Red wine, tomatoes, and herbs create a luxurious sauce.
• Versatile and comforting – Serve with pasta, polenta, or bread to soak up every drop.
• One-pot convenience – Sear, simmer, and serve all in the Instant Pot.
• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for batch cooking and future cozy meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bone-in beef short ribs
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Carrot, finely chopped
• Celery, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes
• Red wine (dry, like Cabernet or Merlot)
• Beef broth
• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
• Pappardelle pasta or polenta (for serving)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Sear the Short Ribs:
   • Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
   • Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and brown short ribs on all sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
   • Add tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce:
   • Pour in red wine and stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
   • Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Pressure Cook:
   • Return short ribs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
   • Lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes, then allow 15–20 minutes natural release.
5. Shred and Finish:
   • Remove short ribs and discard bones. Shred the meat and return it to the pot.
   • Set Instant Pot to Sauté and simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve:
   • Spoon ragu over cooked pappardelle, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes.
   • Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes release)
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• No wine? Use extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Tomato-free version: Replace tomatoes with beef broth and a bit of cream for a more savory, less tangy sauce.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the veggies for an earthy twist.
• Pork ribs: Substitute pork short ribs or country-style ribs for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if sauce is too thick.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs?

Yes! They work great and are a little easier to handle when shredding.

What pasta is best for ragu?

Pappardelle is traditional, but fettuccine, rigatoni, or gnocchi also pair well.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, use extra beef broth and a bit of balsamic or red wine vinegar.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be sure not to exceed your Instant Pot’s max fill line.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Use Sauté mode to simmer and reduce until thickened.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely! The flavor improves after sitting overnight.

Do I need to strain the sauce?

Not necessary, but you can blend it if you prefer a smoother consistency.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use pre-chopped mirepoix?

Yes! Store-bought mirepoix mix saves time without sacrificing flavor.

What wine should I use?

Choose a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti are great choices.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is a deeply flavorful and hearty dish that turns simple ingredients into an elegant and comforting meal. With fall-apart short ribs and a rich tomato-wine sauce, it’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it over pasta or polenta and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home—fast.

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