Effortless Short Rib Ragu: An Instant Pot Revelation
Forget the hours of simmering, and welcome to the age of the one-hour short rib ragu! Yes, you heard it right. This recipe uses the magic of the Instant Pot to transform humble short ribs into a deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let's be honest, who has time to spend all day over a hot stove? This recipe is for the busy cook, the comfort food lover, and anyone who appreciates a dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. If you love pillowy gnocchi, twirly pasta or even creamy polenta, you'll adore how this ragu elevates any carb you choose.
- Speedy: Ready in an hour, this is a weeknight warrior.
- Easy: Simple ingredients and easy steps, even for the most novice cook.
- Versatile: Perfect with gnocchi, pasta, polenta, or even rice.
- Flavorful: The Instant Pot works its magic to create a rich, deep, and luscious sauce.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that pack a flavorful punch:
- Bone-in short ribs (or boneless)
- Onion and garlic
- Red wine
- Your favorite jarred tomato sauce (marinara or spaghetti)
- Salt and spices
The Magic of the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is the unsung hero of this recipe. It allows us to skip the long braising process without sacrificing the flavor. Here's how it's done:
- Sear the ribs: The Instant Pot's sauté function lets you brown the short ribs for maximum flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add onions and garlic to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those browned bits.
- Wine magic: A splash of red wine deglazes the pan further, creating the base for your sauce.
- Combine and cook: Add the short ribs, tomato sauce, and seasonings to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook until the ribs are fall-apart tender.
- Shred and serve: Shred the ribs, mix into the sauce and serve over your favorite starch.
Serving Suggestions
This short rib ragu is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Gnocchi: For a classic pairing that is always a winner.
- Pasta: Pappardelle, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you love.
- Polenta: For a creamy, comforting twist.
- Rice: For a lighter option that still soaks up all that sauce.
- Sides: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the ragu.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Do steps 1-3 on the stove, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sear the ribs in a Dutch oven, then add onions and garlic, deglaze with wine, add the sauce, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Can I freeze this?
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
While short ribs are ideal, you can experiment with other cuts of beef that benefit from slow cooking.
The Takeaway
Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a classic Italian dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a little short-cut-y, a little weeknight-friendly, and a whole lot delicious! So, get your Instant Pot ready and prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create such a rich, flavorful dish.