I absolutely love this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe because it transforms what can be a slow and sometimes tricky cut of meat into fall-off-the-bone deliciousness in under an hour. The magic of the Instant Pot means you don t have to babysit a grill or oven all day, and yet you still get those deep, rich flavors that make beef ribs so special. When I first tried this method, I was amazed at how tender and juicy the ribs turned out, plus the spice rub adds just the right kick without overwhelming the meat.
You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully whether you’re cooking a casual family dinner or prepping for a weekend gathering. It s quick, simple, and gratifyingly tasty – perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Plus, the option to broil them at the end gives the ribs a gorgeous caramelized crust that really elevates the dish. Give this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe a try, and I promise it ll become one of your go-to beef dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You get tender, flavorful beef ribs in less than an hour, which is a game-changer on busy days.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple seasoning lets the natural beefy flavor shine without overwhelming your palate.
- Versatile Finishing: Broil for a crispy crust or serve straight from the pot for tender perfection.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes nuts for these ribs, and I’ve never had to deal with leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here keep things straightforward and let the quality of the beef shine through. The spice rub adds a balanced blend of smoky and peppery notes without being too complicated or spicy.
- Beef back ribs: Look for meaty bones with good marbling; I love cutting them into 2-bone pieces for perfect portions.
- Fine sea salt: Helps enhance and pull out the natural flavors of the beef.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Adds just the right peppery kick and textures the crust beautifully.
- Ancho chili powder: Brings a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the meat – my secret ingredient!
- Water: Required for the Instant Pot to build pressure and keep everything moist.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the season or who s coming over-feel free to tweak the spice rub or add your favorite sauce to make this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe your own.
- BBQ Sauce Glaze: When I m craving a classic smoky-sweet finish, I brush BBQ sauce on the ribs just before broiling for sticky, caramelized perfection.
- Spice Swap: Try swapping ancho chili for smoked paprika or chipotle powder if you want a hiccup of smokiness or heat.
- Diet-friendly: Skip the broil and sauce for a leaner option that still delivers on tenderness and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the water in the Instant Pot amps up the aroma and complexity.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Ribs Like a Pro
First things first, mix your salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ancho chili powder in a small bowl to create a simple yet flavorful spice rub. I like to sprinkle the rub evenly on both sides of the beef ribs-don t be shy here; those spices really bring the ribs alive. This step is crucial because it infuses the meat with flavor that shines even after pressure cooking.
Step 2: Stack and Set Up Your Instant Pot
Pour half a cup of water into the Instant Pot – this keeps things juicy and helps build pressure. Then, loosely stack your ribs bone-side down inside the pot. You don t want to overcrowd or squash them; giving each piece some breathing room lets the steam circulate for even cooking. I ve learned that stacking too tightly can affect tenderness and texture, so give those ribs a little wiggle room.
Step 3: Pressure Cook and Let It Relax
Set your Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, resist the urge to quick-release immediately; letting the pressure come down naturally (about 15 minutes) is key to juicy, tender ribs that fall off the bone. I ve tried quick releasing straightaway before, and the ribs weren t nearly as tender. After the natural release, you can quick release any remaining pressure to open your pot safely.
Step 4: Optional Broil for Gorgeous Texture
This isn t a step I skip unless I m in a huge hurry because broiling the ribs for about five minutes creates a beautiful, crispy bark. Place them bone side down on a rimmed baking sheet and watch closely-they brown quickly and every broiler is different! If you want a little extra zing, brush your favorite BBQ sauce on before broiling for sticky, caramelized ribs.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Even though this recipe is time-tested, checking for an internal temp of around 190°F helps ensure your ribs are tender and safe.
- Don t Skip Natural Release: Letting the pressure drop slowly locks in moisture and keeps the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Broil for Texture: That final broil adds a crispy, caramelized crust that ll make your ribs look and taste like they came from a fancy BBQ joint.
- Cut into Pieces: I find cutting ribs into 2-bone portions before seasoning and cooking makes serving easier and more consistent.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep the garnishes simple-fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a wedge of lemon on the side brightens the richness of the beef. If you ve gone all in with BBQ sauce, a side of crunchy pickles provides a welcome contrast.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty coleslaw. I also love serving it with roasted root vegetables or a tangy corn salad for added texture and balancing flavors. If you re feeling indulgent, mac and cheese is an absolute winner alongside these ribs.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun thing I tried was serving the ribs family-style on a large platter lined with parchment paper, sprinkled with fresh herbs and accompanied by dipping sauces like spicy mustard and garlic aioli. It makes a casual dinner feel like a festive gathering. For special occasions, stacking the ribs on a wooden board alongside grilled veggies and plenty of napkins is a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and find they last well for up to 3-4 days. To keep them moist, I like to add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating. Just be sure to separate the bones slightly so the heat reaches evenly.
Freezing
Freezing this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe works beautifully-just wrap each rib portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store them in freezer bags. I’ve kept ribs frozen for up to 3 months with no noticeable loss of flavor or texture. When you re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer warming the ribs gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to keep them moist. Alternatively, reheating in the Instant Pot using the steam function is a quick method that preserves tenderness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the best texture, but if you must, moisten with a bit of broth first.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of beef ribs in this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef back ribs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use short ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly-short ribs could need a few more minutes under pressure to become tender.
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Do I need to brown the ribs before pressure cooking?
Nope! The Instant Pot does a great job at tenderizing the meat without pre-browning. If you re short on time, you can skip that step. However, broiling after cooking gives that satisfying crispy crust many people love.
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What if I don t have ancho chili powder?
If you don’t have ancho chili powder, smoked paprika or chipotle powder make great substitutes that add smokiness and depth. You can also simply increase black pepper and add a touch of cumin for warmth.
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How do I know when the ribs are done in the Instant Pot?
The ribs should be tender enough to fall off the bone with a gentle tug. Using a meat thermometer, look for an internal temperature around 190°F for the best tenderness. The pressure cooking time in this recipe is designed to achieve that consistently.
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double the ingredients, but be careful not to overcrowd your Instant Pot. You might need to work in batches to ensure even cooking. Also, cooking times remain the same regardless of quantity.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers that incredible, slow-cooked flavor with so much less effort and time. I love how easy it is to get consistent, tender results no matter what my day throws at me. If you re looking for a simple but impressive dish that feels like a treat, this is one to bookmark-and I really hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do.
Print
Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (pressure cooking) plus 15 minutes natural release, optional 5 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe offers tender, flavorful beef back ribs cooked under high pressure and finished under the broiler for a crispy, caramelized exterior. The ribs are seasoned with a simple spice rub of sea salt, black pepper, and Ancho chili powder, then pressure-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection in just 25 minutes. An optional broiling step adds a delicious bark to make these ribs irresistible and ideal for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Beef Ribs
- 7 to 8 bones of beef back ribs (about 3 pounds), cut into 2-bone pieces
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ancho chili powder
Additional
- 1/2 cup water (for pressure cooking)
- Optional: BBQ sauce for brushing before broiling
Instructions
- Season the ribs: In a small bowl, mix the fine sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and Ancho chili powder to create a spice rub. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the beef ribs, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour ½ cup of water into the Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker you are using. Stack the seasoned ribs loosely inside the pot with the bone side facing down to allow steam to circulate and cook the meat evenly.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure cooking mode. Cook the ribs for 25 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure by opening the valve.
- Optional broiling for crispy finish: Transfer the ribs bone side down onto a rimmed baking sheet. Place under a high broiler and cook for about 5 minutes, watching closely until the meat develops a crackling golden-brown crust. This step adds a delightful texture but can be skipped if short on time.
- Serving: Remove from the broiler and serve immediately. For sauced ribs, brush BBQ sauce onto the ribs just before broiling to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Notes
- A standard rack of beef back ribs typically has 7 bones; cutting into 2-bone pieces may leave one piece with a single bone, which is perfectly fine.
- The ribs are delicious when served straight out of the pressure cooker, being tender and falling off the bone, but broiling enhances the flavor with a crispy bark.
- To serve with barbecue flavor, apply your favorite BBQ sauce right before broiling.
- Broiler heat levels vary widely, so keep a close eye on the ribs during the broiling step to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bones
- Calories: 766
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 730.9mg
- Fat: 65.7g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 40g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2.3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 182.5mg
