If you’re dreaming of something rich, comforting, and just downright impressive for dinner, let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu. Imagine meltingly tender beef short ribs tucked into a deep, tomatoey sauce that clings beautifully to twirls of pappardelle, all made way faster thanks to our electric pressure cooker sidekick. This ragu tastes like it simmered all Sunday, yet comes together in a fraction of the time, making even weeknight dinners feel like an Italian feast.

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how every ingredient here pulls its weight, turning humble basics into a sauce depth and vibrance that will have everyone returning for seconds. Keep your shopping list simple, but don’t overlook even a single item—each one adds something essential to this Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu’s unforgettable flavor.

Beef short ribs (2 lb bone-in or 1½ lb boneless): These are the star, offering melt-in-your-mouth texture and incredible richness as they braise.
Olive oil (1–2 tablespoons): For searing and adding that golden, flavor-packed crust to both meat and vegetables.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Lends sweetness and forms the aromatic base.
Carrot (1, diced): Boosts natural sweetness and brings a subtle earthiness.
Celery (1 stalk, diced): Adds depth and a slight herbaceous note to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A key to that irresistible Italian aroma and punch of flavor.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Deepens the color and intensifies the tomato richness.
Dry red wine (¾ cup): Makes the sauce robust and layered—don’t skip it, but sub more broth if needed.
Crushed tomatoes or marinara (1 28-oz can): The juicy, tangy backbone of your ragu.
Beef broth (½ cup): For extra savory depth and juiciness (chicken or veggie broth works too).
Salt (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Essential for rounding out and waking up every other flavor.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): Provides a gentle kick and enhances the richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Little bursts of heat to balance all the richness—use if you like spice.
Bay leaf (1): Feeds a hint of herbal fragrance and complexity.
Rosemary (1 fresh sprig or ½ teaspoon dried): Offers up an unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
Cooked pasta (pappardelle, rigatoni, etc.): The perfect vehicle for this gorgeous sauce—choose your favorite shape.
Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley: For that cheesy, herby finish that brings everything together.

How to Make Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and give it a moment to heat up. Add a swirl of olive oil, then nestle in the short ribs. Sear until they’re browned beautifully on all sides—this step locks in flavor and helps the beef come out fall-apart tender and caramelized. It’s definitely worth a couple extra minutes!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

After the short ribs are golden, transfer them to a plate for now. Drop in more olive oil if your pot is looking dry, then toss in the onion, carrot, and celery. Let these soften and get fragrant, stirring often. Next comes garlic and a dollop of tomato paste, stirred just until the kitchen smells so good you’ll want to bottle it. This is where your Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu starts building that signature flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Now pour in that red wine, and watch as it sizzles and steams—using your spoon, scrape up any golden bits stuck on the bottom (that’s pure flavor!). Let the wine bubble and reduce for a couple minutes; this draws out any harshness, ensuring a luscious, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Return your browned short ribs with their tasty juices to the pot. Add in the crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, plus the bay leaf and rosemary. Give everything a gentle mix so the ribs are cozy and mostly submerged.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 45 minutes. Now comes the hardest part: waiting. After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes to keep the meat extra tender, then finish with a careful manual release.

Step 6: Shred the Meat

Swap those joyful aromas for action—lift out the short ribs and discard bones and any excess fat. Shred the beef (it should fall apart at first touch), and slide it back into the sauce. If the ragu needs thickening, use “Sauté” mode for a few extra minutes until it’s as luscious as you like.

Step 7: Serve

Pile your ragu high on bowls of cooked pasta. Shower with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for the crowning finish. Gather everyone to the table—the real magic happens when you dig in together!

How to Serve Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

Garnishes

A generous shower of grated Parmesan is non-negotiable—it melts into the sauce, adding salty umami richness. Fresh chopped parsley livens up the color and brings a hit of brightness that cuts through the hearty Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu. For an extra treat, try a drizzle of really good olive oil or even a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Side Dishes

Though the ragu and pasta can be a meal by themselves, I love pairing them with a leafy green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or some roasted broccolini for crunch and color. Don’t forget crusty bread for mopping up the last bits—trust me, not a drop should go to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

While tossing the ragu with pasta is classic, this sauce is endlessly versatile. Try spooning it over creamy polenta for an ultra-cozy dinner, stuff it inside baked potatoes for casual comfort, or heap it onto toasted baguette slices as a luxurious crostini topping for parties. Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu always steals the show, no matter how it’s served.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra ragu cool completely before sealing it up in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors only deepen, making leftovers even more crave-worthy.

Freezing

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is a true freezer hero! Scoop cooled ragu into freezer-safe bags or containers, taking care to press out as much air as possible. Store for up to 3 months—you’ll love having a batch ready for those days when you want something spectacular without any effort.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the ragu on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. If frozen, defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, then reheat as usual. It’s every bit as tasty as when freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs for Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu?

Definitely! Boneless short ribs work very well and are easier to shred at the end. They also cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on cooking time—start checking a few minutes earlier to ensure they stay super tender.

What if I don’t have red wine?

You can substitute red wine with extra beef (or chicken/vegetable) broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. The ragu will still be delicious, but the wine truly enhances the overall flavor, so use it if possible.

Can I make Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu ahead of time?

Absolutely, and it’s even better the next day! The flavors meld and deepen overnight. Store in the fridge and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve—perfect for entertaining or easy meal prep.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is! Just be sure to serve with your favorite gluten-free pasta or sides like polenta or spaghetti squash to keep it 100 percent gluten-free.

What’s the best pasta shape to serve with this ragu?

Pappardelle and rigatoni are both fantastic choices, as their wide surfaces and nooks soak up all that sauce. But honestly, any pasta you love will taste amazing under a heap of Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu!

Final Thoughts

If you ask me, this is the kind of soul-warming dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is cozy enough for a quiet night in yet impressive enough for company—so grab your pressure cooker, round up those simple ingredients, and let this recipe show you just how easy homemade comfort can be!

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu Recipe