Slow-Braised Bison Short Ribs (Oven, Crock Pot, & Instant Pot Recipes)

A Luxurious, Crowd-Pleasing Bison Recipe for Game-Day Parties or a Thoughtful Dinner:

Why Bison Short Ribs Are Perfect for Slow Braising

Bison is leaner than beef, higher in protein, and rich in iron and zinc. Because bison lacks excess fat, low-and-slow cooking transforms tougher cuts like short ribs into silky, tender meat while preserving flavor and nutrients.

Benefits of braising bison short ribs:

• Deep, developed flavor without greasiness

• Tender meat that pulls cleanly from the bone

• Ideal for make-ahead meals and entertaining

• Naturally fits a “food is medicine” lifestyle

1: Oven-Braised Bison Short Ribs Recipe (Restaurant-Style)

Ingredients

• 4–5 lbs Bluestem Bison short ribs

• 2 tbsp olive oil or tallow

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cups dry red wine (or beef/bison bone broth)

• 2 cups bison or beef bone broth

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.

2. Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear ribs on all sides until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat. Add onion and carrots; sauté until caramelized (8–10 minutes).

5. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes.

6. Deglaze with red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan. Reduce by half.

7. Add broth, herbs, bay leaves, and return ribs to the pot.

8. Cover and braise in oven for 3–3½ hours, until fork-tender.

9. Rest 15 minutes before serving. Skim excess fat if desired.

Serving Ideas

• Over creamy mashed potatoes or parsnip purée

• With roasted root vegetables

• Finished with a red wine reduction for elegance

2: Crock Pot Bison Short Ribs Recipe (Game Day-Friendly)

Perfect for college game day or the Super Bowl, this version delivers hands-off luxury while freeing up oven space.

Ingredients

(Same as oven recipe)

Instructions

1. Season and sear short ribs in a skillet until browned.

2. Transfer ribs to crock pot.

3. Sauté onions, carrots, garlic, and tomato paste in the same pan.

4. Deglaze with wine or broth and pour over ribs.

5. Add remaining broth and herbs.

6. Cook:

   • Low: 8–9 hours

   • High: 5–6 hours

7. Remove herbs before serving.

Pro Tip for Game Day

Shred the meat and serve:

• On toasted brioche sliders

• Over polenta in bowls

• With grain-free buns for a protein-forward spread

Game Day vs. Valentine’s Day: How to Style This Dish

Game Day Party

• Crock pot on warm

• Serve family-style or as sliders

• Pair with roasted potatoes and simple greens

Valentine’s Day Dinner

• Oven-braised version

• Plate individually

• Add a bold red wine and candlelight

Same recipe. Completely different energy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is bison tougher than beef?

Bison is leaner, not tougher. Slow cooking methods like braising break down connective tissue and deliver incredible tenderness.

Can I make bison short ribs ahead of time?

Yes, this dish tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

What wine pairs best with bison short ribs?

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec complement bison’s richness beautifully.

Can you cook bison short ribs in an Instant Pot?

Yes. High pressure cooking with natural release produces tender, flavorful bison short ribs in a fraction of the time of traditional braising.

 3: Instant Pot Bison Short Ribs Recipe (Fast, Deeply Flavorful)

When you want the richness of slow-braised bison short ribs but don’t have all day, the Instant Pot delivers surprisingly tender results, perfect for a last-minute gatherings or weeknight meal.

Because bison is lean, the key is high pressure + adequate liquid + natural release.

Ingredients

(Same as oven and crock pot recipes)

Instructions

1. Season & Sear: Pat bison short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Set Instant Pot to Sauté (High). Add oil and sear ribs on all sides until deeply browned. Work in batches. Remove and set aside.

2. Build Flavor: Add onion and carrots to the pot. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.

3. Deglaze: Pour in red wine (or bone broth), scraping up all browned bits from the bottom. This step is critical to avoid the burn notice.

4. Pressure Cook: Return short ribs to the pot. Add remaining broth and herbs. Lock lid and cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.

5. Natural Release: Allow 15–20 minutes natural pressure release, then vent remaining pressure carefully.

6. Finish & Serve: Remove herbs. Skim excess fat if desired. For thicker sauce, switch back to Sauté and simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes.

Instant Pot Pro Tips (Bison-Specific)

• Do not quick release immediately! Bison tightens if rushed

• Ensure ribs are at least ¾ submerged in liquid

• If ribs are very thick, add 5–10 extra minutes of pressure time

Instant Pot Serving Ideas

• Over mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

• With buttered noodles or creamy polenta

• Shredded for sliders or grain bowls

Which Cooking Method Is Best?

Method	Best For	Time
Oven-Braised	Romantic dinners, presentation	3–3½ hrs
Crock Pot	Super Bowl parties, hands-off hosting	8–9 hrs
Instant Pot	Weeknight luxury, fast prep	~90 min total

Final Thoughts: Elevated Comfort Food That Nourishes

Whether you’re feeding a house full of friends or cooking for someone special, these bison short ribs recipes offer comfort, sophistication, and nourishment in one unforgettable dish.

This is the kind of meal that reflects intentional living; where quality ingredients, ethical sourcing, and flavor all matter.