Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

Introduction

Few dishes deliver comfort and flavor like a bowl of short rib ragu. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, a savory tomato base, and rich Italian aromatics, this Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is an absolute crowd-pleaser — and thanks to modern pressure cooking, you get slow-cooked depth in a fraction of the time.

Perfect for entertaining or elevating a weeknight meal, this ragu’s combination of tenderness and bold flavor sets it apart from ordinary pasta sauces.

Why Make Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu?

What makes this recipe stand out is its incredible depth of flavor paired with unbeatable speed. The Instant Pot transforms tough, meaty short ribs into fork-tender morsels within an hour, infusing the rich tomato sauce with marrow and aromatics for a silky, restaurant-worthy result.

Not only does this method save hours, but it also intensifies the meat’s savory qualities, making this dish a standout centerpiece for gatherings or special family dinners.

Key Flavor Secrets for a Standout Ragu

– **Brown the short ribs well:** Developing a robust seared crust pays off in richness.
– **Layer aromatics:** Onion, carrot, celery, and garlic—finely chopped—ensure deep, balanced flavor.
– **Low and slow (pressure-cooked!):** The pressure environment extracts every ounce of savoriness, mimicking traditional slow braising.
– **Finish with fresh herbs:** Stirring in parsley and basil at the end brightens and balances the robust sauce.

Essential Prep for Ultimate Ragu

Getting even cuts of vegetables speeds up prep and ensures harmonious bites. Make quick work of chopping with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper — it dices your mirepoix to perfection in seconds, streamlining your cooking process.

For searing the meat and sautéing veg directly in the pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart is your best friend. This versatile appliance handles everything from browning to stewing, meaning fewer dishes and less effort.

Serving and Storing Your Ragu

Serve your ragu over creamy polenta or your favorite pasta. Twirl the sauce with fresh pappardelle or rigatoni for an authentic Italian experience. For lunches and leftovers, use Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep your ragu fresh and travel-friendly—an excellent option for meal prepping or busy days.

If you need to shred the tender short ribs, the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher breaks them apart right in the pot, making this step tidy and effortless.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each portion (without pasta or polenta) contains approximately 325 calories, 14g fat, 35g protein, and 8g net carbs, offering a savory, nutrient-dense main that’s gluten-free until paired with your favorite starch.

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu Recap

In less than 90 minutes, you can serve a dish that tastes like it simmered all weekend. The Instant Pot and a few well-chosen kitchen tools make gourmet Italian comfort food both accessible and delicious—perfect for cozy meals or impressing a crowd.

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Add olive oil, then sear ribs in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned ribs to a plate.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Use the Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper to speed up dicing for even cooking. Cook the vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant (1 minute).
3. Pour in the wine and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes if using. Return short ribs and any juices to the pot. Seal Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes; let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent.
4. Remove short ribs. Use the Farberware Meat and Potato Masher or two forks to shred meat, discarding bones and large fat pieces. Stir shredded meat back into the pot. Add milk or cream, simmer on Sauté for 5 minutes, adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve your ragu ladled over pasta or polenta. Store extra sauce in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy leftover meals.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Enjoy restaurant-quality Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu at home—sure to become a new favorite!