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    Urban Bliss Life » Blog » Short Ribs Ragu (Instant Pot recipe)

    Published: April 1, 2019 / Updated: April 11, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Short Ribs Ragu (Instant Pot recipe)

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This hearty Short Ribs Ragu recipe is rich, delicious comfort food at its finest. And you'll save time by making in the pressure cooker!

    bowl of Instant Pot Short Ribs ragu with fork

    When it comes to comfort food, I think pasta dishes are always amazing, no matter what the weather. Don't you agree?

    I've long loved a good short ribs ragu served over a heaping mound of pappardelle pasta. Before I started making it at home, it was one of my favorite dishes to order at restaurants.

    closeup of Instant Pot Short Ribs ragu over pasta

    Once I started cooking this classic Italian American recipe at home, I always made my ragù in the slow cooker. Keep in mind, this was well before the Instant Pot revolution, Slow cooking brings out the tenderness that traditional braising does, but without all the work of working over the stove the whole time.

    Now, thanks to the Instant Pot, you can make an even more amazingly flavorful short rib ragù in even less time!

    Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu

    While there is a little work up front for this recipe, it is 100-percent worth it. And compared to the traditional braising method, this is a much easier, faster recipe. I think you will love it so much, that you'll make it again and again - just like I do for my family!

    big bowls of Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu over pasta

    This Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu is a faster version of a slow cooking classic recipe: braised short ribs. Instead of several hours, it takes just around an hour from start to finish.

    beef short ribs seared with bacon

    The ragù is made with beef short ribs seared in bacon drippings, which means they are EXTRA tasty. The sauce includes tomatoes in three different forms: diced, paste, and sauce. The variety adds to the richness of this delicious dish, and ensures it's not a one-note wonder.

    two big bowls of Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu with red wine

    I serve Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu with a thick, larger format pasta, such as pappardelle. I've also made this with tagliatelle, fettuccine, rigatoni - all with success. You want a bigger pasta that can hold the beautiful ragù.

    What wines pair well with Short Ribs Ragu?

    Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu with red wine bottle

    A rich, hearty meat-based sauce calls for a rich, hearty red wine. For a pairing of equals, try the 2016 Légende Médoc 2016 ($24.99), pictured above (gifted). Made of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this is a full-bodied red wine with a long and slightly spicy finish. Its qualities bring out the bold flavors of the short rib ragù beautifully.

    You can also pair this recipe with a full-bodied Merlot or Chianti.

    What can I substitute for red wine?

    If you don't want to use red wine in the sauce, simply substitute equal parts of additional beef broth.

    Can I make this short ribs ragu in my slow cooker?

    Yes! Before the Instant Pot, I always made this Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Ribs recipe instead. Both ways produce an amazing short ribs ragu. Personally, I prefer the Instant Pot version since the searing creates a beautiful smokiness to the dish and makes the meat extra delicious, but the slow cooker version is yummy too!

    What is the difference between ragu and bolognese sauce?

    Both ragù sauce and bolognese sauce are rich, hearty red sauces. Both are usually also served with pasta. The difference is that ragù sauce is meat-based, whereas bolognese sauce is tomato-based. While most bolognese sauces also have meat, the flavor focuses on the tomatoes.

    Short rib ragù mac & cheese

    My favorite way to enjoy leftovers of this hearty comfort food dish? With mac and cheese! It's seriously AMAZING, and even though I enjoy mine with vegan, dairy-free mac & cheese, I know the full dairy mac & cheese would be extra delicious.

    Easy Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu Recipe

    closeup of Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

    Instant Pot Short Ribs Ragu

    5 from 11 votes
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 50 mins
    Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    This rich, hearty short rib ragù is a delicious family dinner! 
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 481kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs beef short ribs
    • salt & pepper to season
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 strips bacon, chopped into 1" pieces
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced (equals about 2 tsp)
    • 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
    • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped into small pieces (yields approximately 1 cup)
    • ¼ cup dry red wine
    • 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5b oz can, undrained)
    • 1 can tomato paste (6 oz can)
    • 1 cup tomato sauce (your favorite jar or from a can)
    • ½ tsp dried oregano
    • ½ tsp dried rosemary
    • ¼ tsp dried thyme
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 cup beef broth
    • salt & pepper
    • 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    • Dry short ribs with a paper towel and salt & pepper both sides. Set aside. 
      short ribs
    • Add olive oil to the Instant Pot, turn to SAUTE, and add bacon. Sauté until cooked, remove and set aside on a plate.
    • Add short ribs to the Instant Pot and sear all sides until brown (no need to cook completely, just make sure all sides are nicely seared and brown). Remove from the Instant Pot and set aside on a plate.
      beef short ribs seared with bacon
    • Add onions, garlic, carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until all are slightly soft. 
      carrots, onions, garlic sauteeing in Instant Pot
    • Add red wine and deglaze the bottom of the pot, gently scraping any meat or veggie bits off the bottom with the wooden spoon. 
    • Return the ribs to the Instant Pot. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Seal lid.
      Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu tomatoes and herbs in Instant Pot
    • Set your Instant Pot to Meat/Stew for 35 minutes. Allow for natural release, then remove the meat, discard the bones (or save them to make beef broth!) and shred meat using two forks. Return meat to the pot and serve over pappardelle pasta. Garnish with cooked bacon and parsley. 
      Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu cooking

    Notes

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 8 minutes to the pressure cooking time and then quick release at the end. This usually yields a thicker sauce. 
    I make this in my 8-quart Instant Pot Duo, but you could also make this in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Do not attempt to make this in a 3-quart pressure cooker. 
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1127mg | Potassium: 1678mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 3860IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 7mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

        April 02, 2019 at 11:37 am

        5 stars
        Yes! I'm always in for discovering more amazing Instant Pot recipes! This short rib ragu looks and sounds absolutely amazing! Cannot wait to give it a try.

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:35 pm

          Thanks so much! I hope you love it!

      2. Amanda says

        April 02, 2019 at 11:11 am

        5 stars
        That plate of pasta looks heavenly!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:34 pm

          Thanks so much, Amanda! :)

      3. Kaylin says

        April 02, 2019 at 11:05 am

        Wowza!!! My mouth is watering just looking at these pictures!! I will have to try this soon. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:34 pm

          Of course! Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks, Kaylin!

      4. Maryal says

        April 02, 2019 at 10:50 am

        Holy crow this looks AMAZING! I'm starving now. I totally need an instant pot, and maybe now I can convince the hubs with these pics so he knows what we could be eating :)

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:33 pm

          Yes! They're so worth it! I love mine! Thank you!

      5. Olivia says

        April 02, 2019 at 1:06 am

        Yum! Another recipe that makes me really want an instant pot! I'm putting it on my wishlist for the hubby so I can try this out!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:32 pm

          You should get one! They make dinner so easy! Thanks, Olivia!

      6. Casey Lee Walker says

        April 01, 2019 at 9:10 pm

        I shouldn't have read this on an empty stomach!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:31 pm

          LOL! I'm sorry!

      7. Brandi says

        April 01, 2019 at 9:10 pm

        I am finally getting better with my instant pot! I am going to try this recipe this week! Wish me luck!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:30 pm

          Yay! Good luck! Let me know how it is! :)

      8. jana seitzer says

        April 01, 2019 at 8:41 pm

        5 stars
        This looks so good! I'm always looking for great easy IP recipes! We love our IP!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:29 pm

          I love mine, too! Thanks, Jana!

      9. Cookilicious says

        April 01, 2019 at 6:51 pm

        Love experimenting with the Instant Pot! This looks like the perfect weeknight meal!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:29 pm

          I do, too! There's so many possibilities! Thanks so much!

      10. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says

        April 01, 2019 at 6:46 pm

        5 stars
        My poor instant pot has been so neglected lately! I really need to branch out and try more things. Thanks for the inspiration (and kick in the pants!) Marlynn!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:27 pm

          I'm so glad! Let me know if you like it! :)

      11. Taylor says

        April 01, 2019 at 6:42 pm

        5 stars
        This is the perfect Italian meal! So flavorful and delicious!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:26 pm

          Thanks, Taylor! :)

      12. Courtney | Love & Good Stuff says

        April 01, 2019 at 6:40 pm

        5 stars
        I love the idea of eating this ragu with mac and cheese as well!! That suggestion sounds delicious!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:25 pm

          Thanks so much, Courtney! :)

      13. Waz says

        April 01, 2019 at 5:27 pm

        I love your idea of enjoying leftover ragu with mac & cheese. Yummm! Now all I need to do is come up with way to veganize your ragu recipe. Maybe with an assortment of mushrooms?

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:25 pm

          Mushrooms are a great alternative! Thanks, Waz! :)

      14. Jackie says

        April 01, 2019 at 3:53 pm

        5 stars
        I am adding this to my menu for next week. I love everything about it and how simple it is so make.

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:23 pm

          Yay! Let me know how you like it! :)

      15. Rosa says

        April 01, 2019 at 3:53 pm

        5 stars
        This looks amazing! I love easy recipes I can make in my Instant Pot! Thanks!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          April 06, 2019 at 8:22 pm

          Glad you liked the post! Thanks, Rosa! :)

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      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me →

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