Name: Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups tart cherry juice (100% pure, not sweetened or regular cherry juice); 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 5 sprigs fresh oregano; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, to taste; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

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If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly yet feels truly special, the Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender, fall-apart beef short ribs with a tangy tart cherry sauce, this dish captures an irresistible mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss, all while sticking to paleo principles and using your Instant Pot for speedy, hands-off cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five thick, square pieces of raw meat with visible white fat marbling, placed closely together inside a dark cast iron pan. The meat pieces have a pink to red color with some white fat layers on top and sides, making the texture look rich and fresh. The pan is slightly shiny from oil and sits on a dark stove, with no other items visible. The background is changed to a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring out deep flavors and vibrant colors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy short ribs to the bright cherry juice that adds a luscious tartness balancing the savory notes.

2 to 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs: The star of the dish, these provide rich, meaty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed in the beef’s natural fat.
2 large carrots, chopped: Bring subtle natural sweetness and help round out the stew base.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth—feel free to omit for low-FODMAP needs.
2 cups tart cherry juice: This slightly sour juice brightens the dish and complements the beef beautifully; make sure it’s 100% pure tart cherry juice.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Offers earthy, pine-like notes that enhance the meat.
5 sprigs fresh oregano: Fresh herbaceous flavor that lifts the sauce with a Mediterranean touch.
1/2 tsp sea salt to taste: Essential to bring out all the flavors, seasoning each element perfectly.
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar: Added at the end to reduce into a rich, tangy sauce that coats the ribs with a silky finish.

How to Make Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs

Start by pressing the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and warming it up well. Meanwhile, generously season your short ribs with sea salt. No oil is necessary because the meat itself will render enough fat. Place the ribs on the hot surface and let them develop a golden-brown crust, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You might need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures perfect caramelization. This first step builds incredible flavor and locks in juices.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Leave the Instant Pot on sauté mode and add your chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the remaining beef fat. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to sweeten. This step sets the aromatic base for the braise and intensifies the final flavor.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Liquids

Return the browned short ribs to the pot with the softened veggies. Pour in the tart cherry juice, sprinkle in the dried rosemary, add the fresh oregano sprigs, and adjust salt to taste. These ingredients meld together to create a vibrant, complex flavor profile that makes this Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe stand out.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Ribs

Seal the Instant Pot lid and select the Stew or Meat mode. Cook for 45 minutes if you’re using bone-in ribs (preferred for ultimate tenderness) or 35 minutes for boneless. When cooking finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes on Keep Warm mode. Afterward, carefully switch the vent to quickly release the remaining pressure. This method tenderizes the meat beautifully while keeping it juicy and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

Using tongs, remove the ribs and set them aside on a plate. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid remaining in the pot. Turn the Instant Pot back to sauté and pour in the balsamic vinegar. Let the liquid boil and reduce for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your liking. Taste as you go, adjusting salt and vinegar for a balanced, glossy sauce that perfectly complements the ribs.

How to Serve Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe

The image shows a light beige bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is a thick, creamy orange puree with a smooth texture, topped by two dark brown glossy pieces of meat placed side by side in the middle, each piece garnished with small carrot chunks and light green herb sprigs scattered on and around the meat. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a dark blue cloth partially visible underneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a few extra oregano sprigs adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of green that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. The vibrant sauce naturally coats the ribs, but a little herb garnish takes it up a notch for presentation and aroma.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, which add subtle sweetness that complements the savory richness of the ribs. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad offer fresh textures and balance the depth of the meat. Keep it simple to let those short ribs shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate the ribs atop a smooth sweet potato purée with a drizzle of reduced cherry-balsamic sauce. Add microgreens or edible flowers for a gourmet touch. Or, serve the ribs family-style in the pot they cooked in, letting everyone help themselves to the luscious sauce. Either way, you’re in for a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover ribs and sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety.

Freezing

This Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled ribs and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick, comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat to warm through without drying out the meat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Alternatively, warm in the microwave covered, checking frequently to keep the ribs tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs in this Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap bone-in ribs for boneless if preferred. Just reduce the pressure cooking time to 35 minutes to avoid overcooking. Boneless ribs will still come out tender and flavorful.

What can I substitute for tart cherry juice?

If you can’t find tart cherry juice, red wine is a great alternative that adds acidity and rich depth. Just avoid sweetened cherry juice or standard cherry juice, as they can alter the flavor balance.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-FODMAP diet?

To make this Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe low-FODMAP friendly, omit the onion and garlic completely. You can compensate for the lost flavor by increasing balsamic vinegar slightly or using other low-FODMAP herbs and spices.

Do I need to brown the meat before pressure cooking?

Browning is highly recommended because it develops a caramelized crust and deepens the flavor significantly. Skipping this step may result in less complex taste and less appealing color.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for guests?

Yes! This dish is ideal for make-ahead meals. You can cook the ribs and sauce a day ahead; flavors will improve after resting. Reheat gently right before serving to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely encourage you to give this Paleo Instant Pot Short Ribs Recipe a try. It’s one of those soul-satisfying meals that feels indulgent yet healthy and comes together with ease thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. Tender meat, vibrant sauce, and simple ingredients create a perfect harmony that’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you make it, there’s no looking back!