If you are craving tender, flavorful ribs that melt in your mouth but want to skip the hours at the grill or smoker, then this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe is your new best friend. It delivers fall-off-the-bone goodness with minimal hands-on time, using simple spices that highlight the rich beef flavor. The result is a beautifully cooked dish that tastes like it came straight from a slow cooker or barbecue pit, but in under an hour! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, these ribs hit all the right notes with juicy tenderness and a smoky kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here — just a handful of essential ingredients that work together to create incredible depth of flavor and perfect texture. Each plays its role, from seasoning to moisture for cooking, keeping the process straightforward and the results outstanding.
- 7 to 8 bones of beef back ribs (about 3 pounds): Choose meaty ribs for rich flavor and satisfying bite.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances the natural taste of the beef and balances spices.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Ancho chili powder: Brings smoky, mild heat that complements the beef perfectly.
- ½ cup water: Generates the steam needed for pressure cooking without diluting flavors.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Step 1: Season the ribs
Start by making a simple spice rub combining sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Ancho chili powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of your beef ribs, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. This step is crucial as it infuses the meat with flavor, preparing it to taste spectacular after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot
Pour half a cup of water into your Instant Pot. This water will produce the steam required for pressure cooking, creating a moist environment that tenderizes the beef ribs beautifully. Arrange the ribs loosely inside the pot, placing the bone side down. This positioning encourages even cooking and allows the meat to get tender without losing shape.
Step 3: Pressure cook the ribs
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes using the Manual or Pressure Cook mode. When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes. This gentle release lets the ribs rest and continue tenderizing. If there’s still pressure after that time, perform a quick release before opening the lid.
Step 4: Broil the ribs (optional)
If you love a crispy, caramelized crust on your ribs, transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet with the bone side down and broil on high for about 5 minutes. Watch closely to catch the moment they start to crackle and brown beautifully. This finishing step adds a textural contrast and an extra layer of smoky flavor that turns these simple beef ribs into a showstopper.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the rich meat. You could also offer lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp coleslaw play wonderfully against tender beef ribs. For something lighter, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette balance the dish brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ribs family-style on a large platter piled high with sides arranged around, encouraging sharing and casual dining vibes. Alternatively, stack the ribs on individual plates beside colorful sides for an elegant presentation. Even shredding the meat for sandwiches makes an unexpectedly delicious twist using this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat moist while maintaining flavor and makes for quick meals later on.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ribs by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy your Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe anytime convenience calls.
Reheating
Reheat ribs gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, covered to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or broth before warming helps restore juiciness, keeping that satisfying tender texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beef ribs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef back ribs work beautifully, you can also use short ribs or other meaty ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness and cut.
Do I have to broil the ribs after pressure cooking?
Broiling is optional but highly recommended if you love a crisp, caramelized exterior. It adds wonderful texture and flavor that complements the tender meat inside.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe?
The Ancho chili powder offers mild, smoky heat without overwhelming spice, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the amount up or down to suit your taste.
Can I avoid using any water in the Instant Pot?
Water is essential for pressure cooking as it produces the steam needed to build pressure and cook the ribs evenly. So, it’s best not to skip or reduce it drastically.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners using the Instant Pot?
Definitely! The process is straightforward, with very little hands-on time and simple steps. If you’re new to pressure cooking, this is a fantastic recipe to build confidence and enjoy incredible results quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves succulent meat with fantastic flavor but wants a quick, fuss-free method. It’s perfect for weeknights, weekend feasts, or whenever you want ribs without the wait. Give it a try and watch these tender, juicy ribs become your go-to comfort food that always impresses. Your family and friends will thank you!
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Instant Pot Beef Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Ribs recipe offers a flavorful and tender way to prepare beef back ribs quickly under pressure. Seasoned with a simple yet flavorful spice rub of sea salt, black pepper, and ancho chili powder, these ribs are pressure cooked to perfection, rendering the meat juicy and delicious. An optional broiling step adds a crispy, caramelized finish, making this recipe a perfect weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for gatherings.
Ingredients
Beef Ribs
- 7 to 8 bones of beef back ribs (about 3 pounds), cut into 2-bone pieces
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ancho chili powder
For Pressure Cooking
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Season the ribs: In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Ancho chili powder to create the spice rub. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the beef rib pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour ½ cup of water into the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker to generate the steam needed for pressure cooking. Stack the ribs loosely inside the pot with the bone side facing down to allow proper steam circulation.
- Pressure cook the ribs: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes using the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes until the valve drops. If any pressure remains, perform a quick release before opening the lid carefully.
- Broil the ribs (optional): For a crispy finish, transfer the ribs bone side down onto a rimmed baking sheet. Place them under a preheated broiler on high and cook for about 5 minutes or until the meat starts to crackle and brown. Watch closely to prevent burning. Remove from the broiler and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using Ancho chili powder adds a mild smoky flavor; you may substitute with smoked paprika or mild chili powder if unavailable.
- The broiling step is optional but highly recommended for a crispy texture and enhanced flavor.
- Allowing the natural pressure release helps keep the ribs tender and juicy.
- Make sure to arrange ribs loosely in the Instant Pot for even cooking.
- Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
