Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu: A Weeknight Wonder

Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for anything beyond survival feels like a luxury. But I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make things a little easier, and one of them is embracing the power of the Instant Pot.

This Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is my absolute go-to weeknight meal. It's rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of days. The tender short ribs practically melt in your mouth, and the deeply savory sauce is so versatile. I often serve it over creamy polenta for a comforting, satisfying dinner, but it also pairs beautifully with gnocchi, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour – from prep to plate – making it perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.

The magic of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to cook tough cuts of meat incredibly tender in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional slow cooker or oven. The pressure cooking method breaks down the connective tissues in the short ribs, resulting in a fall-apart texture that's simply divine. And the best thing about this recipe is that the short ribs do most of the work themselves. You'll spend just a few minutes searing the meat to achieve a lovely crust before letting the Instant Pot do its thing. The resulting sauce, thickened and rich with flavor, is the result of those browned bits and a little bit of magic.

Beyond the weeknight dinner: This ragu also makes a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare it on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it only gets better with time. I often double the recipe, freezing half for a quick and easy meal on a particularly hectic evening. You could also easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Try adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices to customize it to your liking. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of Worcestershire sauce can add another layer of complexity.

The beauty of simplicity: This recipe isn’t about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It's about embracing simple, wholesome ingredients and letting the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting. It's a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, a delicious and satisfying meal can be within reach. The recipe is a celebration of convenience and flavor, a perfect example of how a little planning can go a long way in making life a bit easier – and a whole lot tastier.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind, a little bit of deliciousness can bring a sense of calm and satisfaction to your busy life. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment of self-care, a reward for all the hard work you put into your day. And that, my friends, is worth more than any gourmet restaurant meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over creamy polenta
• Toss with your favorite pasta
• Spoon over fluffy mashed potatoes
• Enjoy with gnocchi
• Use as a filling for stuffed shells or manicotti

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Turn instant pot on to the saute setting. While it heats up, trim any excess fat from the short ribs, then pat dry with a paper towel. Generously season the meat with salt and pepper.
• Add oil to the Instant Pot. Add the short ribs to the hot oil and sear on all sides until brown. (The meat does not need to be fully cooked. Just browned.) Remove from pot and set aside.
• Use tongs & paper towel to remove any excess oil from the pot. Add onion and garlic and saute until tender, about 3 minutes, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Pour wine in to deglaze and cook for about 2 minutes.
• Add short ribs, tomato sauce, salt and crushed red pepper to pot. Use 1/2 cup water to rinse out sauce jar and add to pot. Set Instant Pot to the stew/meat setting (35 mins). When it's done, let it sit untouched for a natural steam release.
• Remove meat to sheet pan. Shred into bite size pieces, removing bones and any large pieces of fat. Meanwhile, set the Instant Pot to saute again to reduce/thicken the sauce. Skim any fat off top of sauce and add meat back in. Taste and add salt & pepper if needed.