Tender & Flavorful: Easy Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos
Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos are an instant hit and a true game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! With a minimal list of just 5 core ingredients, this recipe transforms humble short ribs into incredibly tender, fall-apart meat that makes a killer taco filling, bursting with rich BBQ flavor. Whether you’re short on time or prefer a slower cook, these versatile tacos can be prepared effortlessly in your Instant Pot or even a slow cooker. This recipe comfortably serves 4, making it perfect for family meals or a small gathering with friends.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
Embracing Comfort Food: The Magic of Instant Pot Cooking
As the seasons shift, especially here in Colorado where we experience dramatic weather changes – one day feeling like peak summer, the next a crisp autumn chill, sometimes even winter conditions within hours – our desire for comforting, hearty meals grows. And there’s no better kitchen companion for this time of year than the mighty Instant Pot!
For me, the moment September arrives, my Instant Pot becomes a constant fixture on the countertop. It’s truly a marvel for whipping up everything from rich soups and savory stews to perfectly braised meats and easy slow-cooked delights. Its ability to create deeply flavorful dishes in a fraction of the traditional time is simply unparalleled, making it an indispensable tool for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike.
It’s no secret that I have a deep affection for tacos, and over the years, I’ve crafted countless taco fillings using my Instant Pot. This time, I’m combining two of my absolute favorites: the rich, succulent flavor of short ribs and the incredible, award-winning sauces from Head Country Bar-B-Q. This pairing results in a truly unforgettable taco experience that is both simple to make and bursting with authentic BBQ taste.
The Secret to Flavorful Shredded Beef: Head Country BBQ Essentials
The beauty of these epically tender and juicy short ribs lies in their simplicity. You truly only need 5 basic ingredients to create this incredible taco filling! Beyond the star of the show – boneless beef short ribs – the true flavor heroes are Head Country Bar-B-Q’s renowned Championship Original Seasoning and Chipotle BBQ Sauce. This dynamic duo creates a flavor explosion, where the rich, complex herbs and spices from the seasoning perfectly meld with the sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy notes of the chipotle sauce. It’s a combination that’s easy to achieve but tastes incredibly gourmet.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While I personally adore the zing of the chipotle sauce paired with the original seasoning for a balanced flavor profile, you have the freedom to choose any of Head Country’s fantastic BBQ sauces. Whether you prefer a classic sweet and smoky, a tangy vinegar-based, or something with a bit more heat, Head Country offers a range that will perfectly complement these succulent short ribs. Experiment to find your personal favorite combination!
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves: Essential Equipment & Ingredients
To embark on this culinary adventure and create the most irresistible BBQ short rib tacos, you’ll want to gather a few key items. First and foremost, the star ingredients from our sponsor, Head Country Bar-B-Q. You will need one full bottle of your preferred Head Country BBQ sauce (the Chipotle is highly recommended for a subtle kick!) and your favorite Head Country seasoning blend. Their Championship Original Seasoning provides a fantastic, balanced base that pairs beautifully with the rich beef.
For cooking, an Instant Pot is essential for the pressure cooking method. I personally swear by my Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt; its intuitive controls and consistent performance make cooking a breeze. If you prefer the slow-cooker method (details below!), make sure you have a reliable slow cooker on hand.
Additionally, a sturdy wooden spoon or scraper is incredibly helpful. This is crucial for stirring and, more importantly, for scraping up any browned bits that stick to the bottom of the Instant Pot insert after searing the meat. This process, known as deglazing, adds incredible depth of flavor to your sauce and prevents the “burn” warning on your Instant Pot. A utility cutting board will also be handy for shredding the cooked short ribs.
Let’s Make Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos!
Creating these delicious BBQ short rib tacos is surprisingly straightforward thanks to the Instant Pot. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender, flavor-packed meat every time.
Pressure Cook for Perfect Tenderness
Begin by generously coating your boneless beef short ribs with the Head Country Bar-B-Q Original Seasoning. Don’t be shy – this seasoning forms the foundational flavor layer for your tacos. Make sure all sides of the ribs are evenly covered.
Next, set your Instant Pot to the Saute setting and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the seasoned short ribs. Sear them for about 2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, develops deep, savory flavors that will make your tacos irresistible. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of searing it. Once all ribs are seared, turn the Instant Pot off and remove the ribs to a plate.
Now, add the apple cider to the Instant Pot insert. Using your wooden spoon or scraper, gently but firmly scrape up all the browned bits (also known as “fond”) stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing process is vital not only for infusing more flavor into your sauce but also to prevent the dreaded “burn” warning that can sometimes occur in Instant Pots if bits are left behind.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of your chosen Head Country BBQ sauce until it’s well combined with the apple cider and all the scraped-up fond. Return the seared ribs to the pot, nestling them into the flavorful sauce. Give everything one last quick stir to ensure the ribs are coated. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook on newer models), and cook on High pressure for 35 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. This natural release time is key for ensuring the meat remains incredibly tender and juicy. After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure.
Shred & Sauce the Irresistible Meat
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the tender short ribs from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a cutting board. You’ll find that the meat is incredibly soft and practically falls apart. Using two forks, easily shred the short ribs into bite-sized pieces. The goal is to create a texture that’s perfect for taco filling – tender, succulent, and easy to eat. Transfer the shredded meat to a large bowl and add the remaining 1 cup of Head Country BBQ sauce. Stir it all together until every strand of meat is thoroughly coated in that rich, sweet, and smoky goodness. This step ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
Assemble Your Flavorful Tacos
The final step is the most fun – assembling your tacos! Warm your favorite corn tortillas (or flour, if you prefer) and generously fill them with the delicious BBQ short rib mixture. Now comes the exciting part: toppings! Get creative and customize your tacos with an array of fresh ingredients. I love adding a vibrant crunch with finely sliced red onion, a bit of heat with thinly sliced jalapeños, a refreshing burst of flavor with freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Other fantastic topping ideas include avocado slices or guacamole, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of queso fresco, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a simple slaw for extra texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Head Country Bar-B-Q Seasoning Blend?
Absolutely! One of the fantastic advantages of this recipe is its versatility. Head Country Bar-B-Q offers a diverse range of seasoning blends, each with its unique flavor profile. While the Original Seasoning provides a classic, well-rounded BBQ taste that’s always a winner, feel free to experiment with others. For example, if you love a bit more heat, try their Spicy seasoning. If you’re looking for a savory garlic and herb kick, they might have a blend for that too! Using a different seasoning will subtly alter the overall flavor of your short ribs, allowing you to customize the tacos to your exact preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative and find your perfect match!
How Do I Slow Cook These BBQ Short Rib Tacos?
No Instant Pot? No problem! These delicious BBQ short rib tacos can easily be adapted for a slow cooker, allowing for that same fall-apart tenderness with minimal effort. If you opt for the slow cooker method, you’ll start by rubbing your short ribs generously with your chosen Head Country seasoning blend, just as you would for the Instant Pot. However, you will skip the searing step entirely – simply place the seasoned ribs directly into your slow cooker. Add the apple cider and 1 1/2 cups of the Head Country BBQ sauce to the slow cooker, stirring everything well to ensure the ribs are coated and submerged in the liquid. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. The longer, slower cooking time truly breaks down the connective tissues in the ribs, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Once cooked, remove the ribs to a cutting board, shred them using two forks, then combine the shredded meat with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce in a large bowl. Stir to combine, and then proceed with assembling your tacos as desired!
Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos
equipment
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Utility Cutting Board
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt
ingredients
- 3 to 4 lbs boneless beef short ribs
- 2 Tbsp Head Country Bar-B-Q Original Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce I used chipotle, but you can use your favorite!
- Corn tortillas
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Finely sliced red onion
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
instructions
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Rub the ribs evenly with Head Country Bar-B-Q Original Seasoning. Set aside.
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Add oil to the insert of the Instant Pot and set to Saute function. Once the oil is hot, add short ribs in batches and sear on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside. Turn Instant Pot off.
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Add apple cider to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Use a wooden scraper spoon to scrape up the bottom of the pot. Make sure no browned bits are stuck to the bottom.
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Stir in 1 1/2 cups Heady Country Bar-B-Q Sauce until combined. Add ribs, nestling them in the sauce. Seal and set to Manual. Cook on High pressure for 35 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure (i.e. don’t touch it yet!) for 15 minutes. Manually release any remaining pressure.
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Remove ribs to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Add meat to a large bowl and stir with 1 cup Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce.
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Assemble tacos, topping with your favorite toppings as desired. I personally like sliced red onion, sliced jalapeno, sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
notes
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos
Beyond their incredible flavor, these Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos offer a multitude of reasons to become a staple in your recipe collection. First, the convenience factor is unmatched. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time for tough cuts like short ribs, delivering fork-tender meat in under an hour of active cooking. This means you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal even on the busiest weeknights without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Secondly, the short ribs themselves are a fantastic choice for tacos. They boast a rich, beefy flavor and a higher fat content, which, when cooked properly, renders into succulent, juicy strands of meat that are simply divine. They absorb the BBQ seasoning and sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.
Finally, the customization options are endless. Tacos are inherently fun and interactive, allowing everyone at the table to build their perfect meal. With a spread of fresh toppings – from crisp onions and spicy jalapeños to creamy avocado and tangy lime – you can tailor each taco to your liking, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages and palates. These BBQ short rib tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience, promising satisfaction and flavor in every single bite.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
Once your incredible Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos are assembled, consider elevating your meal with some complementary sides and drinks. For a fresh contrast, a simple coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette, or a vibrant corn and black bean salsa, would be excellent choices. You could also serve them alongside a classic Mexican rice or a quick batch of refried beans.
To drink, a crisp lager or a hoppy IPA would pair wonderfully with the rich BBQ flavors. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea, a refreshing limeade, or even a sparkling apple cider would be delightful. Don’t forget a pitcher of margaritas for an extra festive touch on taco night!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover BBQ short rib filling, storing it properly ensures you can enjoy these delicious tacos again. Transfer the shredded meat to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, the meat can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, gently warm the meat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry, until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Once reheated, simply warm fresh tortillas and reassemble your tacos with your favorite toppings for another satisfying meal. This makes them perfect for meal prepping and enjoying delicious leftovers!
These Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor, convenience, and comfort. Give them a try and let us know your favorite topping combinations!