Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos: Your Go-To Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Fall Meals
Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos are an instant hit for any meal! With only 5 core ingredients, this recipe transforms boneless beef short ribs into incredibly tender, juicy meat that makes a killer taco filling, bursting with rich BBQ flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos can also be effortlessly made in a slow cooker, offering ultimate flexibility. This recipe proudly serves 4 people with generous portions, bringing delicious comfort food right to your table.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
As September arrives and the crisp autumn air begins to settle, it’s the perfect time to fire up that Instant Pot and let it work its magic, isn’t it? Here in Colorado, we experience a fascinating mix of seasons, often feeling like summer one day and winter the next, with fleeting moments of truly perfect fall weather in between. This unpredictable climate makes comforting, hearty meals all the more appealing, and my Instant Pot becomes an indispensable tool in the kitchen.
It’s during this transitional period that I find myself leaning heavily on my Instant Pot for a wide array of dishes. From soul-warming soups and hearty stews to succulent braised meats and effortlessly slow-cooked meals, its versatility is unmatched. You, my dear readers, know my deep affection for tacos, and I’ve created countless taco fillings using the Instant Pot. This time, I’m elevating the taco game by featuring one of my absolute favorite cuts of meat – rich, beefy short ribs – and pairing them with the exceptional flavors of Head Country Bar-B-Q products.
The beauty of these epically tender and juicy short ribs lies in their simplicity. You only need 5 ingredients to create this show-stopping taco filling! The two undeniable star ingredients, beyond the boneless short ribs themselves, are Head Country Bar-B-Q Championship Original Seasoning and Chipotle BBQ Sauce. The Championship Original Seasoning boasts a harmonious blend of rich herbs and spices that perfectly complements the robust flavor of beef. When combined with the Chipotle BBQ Sauce, you get a delightful balance of sweet and smoky notes, infused with a gentle kick of chipotle heat. This combination creates a simple yet incredibly impactful flavor bomb that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Of course, one of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While I personally adore the distinctive flavor profile of the Chipotle BBQ Sauce paired with the Original Seasoning – as it hits all the right flavor notes for me – you are absolutely free to use any of your favorite Head Country BBQ sauces. Their extensive range means you can customize these tacos to suit your specific taste preferences, whether you prefer something sweeter, tangier, or with a bolder spice blend.
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Essential Tools and Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Short Rib Tacos
To embark on this culinary adventure and create the best Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos, you’ll want to gather a few key items. First and foremost, ensure you have your chosen Head Country Bar-B-Q ingredients on hand. For these incredibly flavorful bbq short rib tacos, you will need one bottle of your preferred Head Country BBQ sauce and your favorite seasoning blend. As mentioned, the Original Seasoning and Chipotle BBQ Sauce offer a fantastic balance, but feel free to experiment!
Next, the cornerstone of this recipe is your cooking appliance. You will need an Instant Pot (I personally love and highly recommend my Instant Pot Ultra for its intuitive controls and consistent results!) or a slow cooker to tenderize the short ribs to perfection. Both methods yield succulent meat, allowing you to choose based on your schedule and preference.
Finally, a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula is invaluable. I like to use this wooden spoon not just for stirring, but crucially for scraping up any browned bits that cling to the bottom of the Instant Pot liner when you sear the meat. This step, known as deglazing, is vital for adding layers of flavor to your sauce and preventing any potential “burn” warnings from your Instant Pot. You’ll also want a reliable cutting board and a couple of forks for easy shredding.
Let’s Create Irresistible Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos!
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create these mouthwatering BBQ short rib tacos. The Instant Pot makes what typically takes hours on a stovetop or in an oven a much quicker, more hands-off process without sacrificing any flavor or tenderness.
Step 1: Pressure Cook for Unbelievable Tenderness
Begin by generously coating your boneless beef short ribs evenly with the Head Country Bar-B-Q Original Seasoning. Don’t be shy; this seasoning is where a significant part of the flavor comes from! Next, add the olive oil to the Instant Pot insert and select the Saute setting. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers. Once hot, carefully sear the seasoned ribs for about 2 minutes per side. This crucial step develops a beautiful brown crust, locking in moisture and building a deep, rich flavor through the Maillard reaction. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring proper searing. Once seared, turn the Instant Pot off and temporarily remove the ribs from the pot.
Now, add the apple cider to the Instant Pot. Use your wooden spoon to diligently scrape up any browned bits that are stuck to the bottom of the insert. This process, known as deglazing, is essential for two reasons: it incorporates all those flavorful caramelized bits back into your sauce, and it prevents your Instant Pot from triggering a “burn” warning. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of your chosen Head Country BBQ sauce until well combined with the apple cider. Finally, nestle the seared ribs back into the sauce, making sure they are submerged as much as possible. Give everything a 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. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This natural release period is key for ensuring the meat remains incredibly tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shred and Infuse with More Flavor
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot. The short ribs should be incredibly tender and practically falling apart. Remove the cooked ribs to a clean cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. The tenderness achieved through pressure cooking makes this step remarkably simple. Transfer the shredded meat to a large bowl and stir in the remaining 1 cup of Head Country BBQ sauce. This final addition of sauce ensures every strand of the short rib meat is coated in that irresistible BBQ flavor and stays wonderfully moist, making for the perfect taco filling.
Step 3: Assemble Your Delicious Tacos
Now for the best part – assembly! Warm your corn tortillas before filling them; this makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. You can warm them quickly in a microwave, a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrapped in foil in the oven. Fill each warm tortilla generously with the flavorful, shredded BBQ short ribs. Then, get creative with your toppings! Top as desired with your favorite fresh ingredients. I personally love the vibrant crunch of finely sliced red onion, the fresh zest of chopped cilantro, a hint of heat from sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of cool sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a bright, tangy finish that perfectly cuts through the richness of the BBQ meat.
Can I Use a Different Head Country Bar-B-Q Seasoning Blend?
Absolutely, you sure can! That’s one of the most wonderful aspects of this Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos recipe – it’s incredibly adaptable to your personal taste. Head Country offers a fantastic variety of seasoning blends, each with its own unique flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter rub, a spicier kick, or a more herb-forward blend, feel free to experiment. Each option will bring a slightly different, yet equally delicious, dimension to your short ribs. Don’t hesitate to explore their full line of products to find your perfect match!
How Do I Slow Cook These BBQ Short Rib Tacos?
If you prefer the “set it and forget it” convenience of a slow cooker, these BBQ short rib tacos are perfectly suited for that method as well. To slow cook the meat, begin by thoroughly rubbing the short ribs with your chosen Head Country seasoning blend. While searing adds extra depth of flavor, you can skip the searing step in the slow cooker if time is a constraint, though I always recommend it if you have an extra 10-15 minutes. Instead, simply add the seasoned ribs directly to your slow cooker, along with the apple cider and 1 1/2 cups of the BBQ sauce. Stir everything well to ensure the ribs are coated. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and easily falls apart with a fork. Once cooked, remove the short ribs to a cutting board, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded meat to a large bowl and mix with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir to combine, and then continue with the recipe by assembling your tacos as desired!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
These Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Unbeatable Tenderness: The Instant Pot works wonders, transforming tough short ribs into fork-tender perfection in a fraction of the time traditional braising requires. Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Explosion of Flavor: The combination of Head Country’s rich seasoning and smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, along with the subtle tang of apple cider, creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that’s truly addictive.
- Effortlessly Easy: With only 5 main ingredients and minimal active cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, gourmet-tasting meal without the fuss.
- Versatile Serving Options: While they shine as tacos, the tender BBQ short ribs are incredibly versatile. Use them as a filling for sliders, top a rice bowl, or even stuff baked potatoes for another delicious meal.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are universally loved! The rich BBQ flavor and tender meat appeal to both adults and children, making them ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Tips for the Perfect BBQ Short Rib Tacos
To ensure your Instant Pot BBQ Short Rib Tacos are absolutely phenomenal every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Sear: While it might seem like an extra step, searing the short ribs before pressure cooking adds a crucial layer of flavor. This browning, or Maillard reaction, creates savory notes that cannot be replicated otherwise.
- Deglaze Thoroughly: When adding the apple cider, take the time to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This not only prevents a “burn” warning but also incorporates all that concentrated flavor into your sauce.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Starting with good quality boneless beef short ribs and, of course, Head Country Bar-B-Q products, makes a significant difference in the final taste. Their commitment to flavor shines through.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Cold, stiff tortillas are a no-go for tacos. Briefly warming your corn tortillas makes them pliable, easier to fold, and enhances their corn flavor.
- Embrace Customization: The toppings are where you can really make these tacos your own! Don’t limit yourself to the suggestions; think about pickled red onions, crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of crema, or a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical twist.
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.