These Instant Pot Beef Tips are tender, delicious bites of beef cooked with rich gravy and spices. Perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes, they are easy and quick to prepare!
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of beef cooking away in the Instant Pot. It’s like a warm hug for your dinner table! I love making this for busy nights when I still want something hearty.
It’s so simple! Just sear the beef, add in the ingredients, and let the pot do the magic. You’ll have a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy in no time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is my go-to for tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use sirloin or round beef. Just ensure it’s cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but feel free to swap it with vegetable oil or avocado oil for a lighter taste.
Onion & Garlic: A medium onion and fresh garlic make the base flavorful. If you’re sensitive to onions, shallots can work too. For garlic, garlic powder can be a substitute, just use 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is the best, but store-bought works well too. If you want a lighter option, chicken broth can work, though the flavor will be different.
Worcestershire & Soy Sauce: These add depth to the dish. You could use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, and for Worcestershire, try a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar zing.
Seasonings: Dried thyme and paprika are key, but feel free to switch thyme with Italian seasoning or rosemary if that’s what you have handy!
How Do I Achieve Tender, Flavorful Beef Tips?
Brown the beef well! It seals in flavor and improves overall taste. Make sure the Instant Pot is hot before adding the meat. Avoid overcrowding; if you have too much meat, brown it in batches.
- For browning, season the beef with salt and pepper before adding to the pot.
- Cook until a rich brown color develops on all sides, paying attention to those tasty browned bits stuck to the pot.
- Don’t forget to deglaze the pot with broth after browning. This adds great flavor to your sauce.
Letting the dish naturally release pressure after cooking is also key, as it keeps the beef moist and tender.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Tips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Tips:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 40 minutes for cooking (25 minutes under pressure and 15 minutes for releasing pressure). In total, you can have a warm, hearty meal on the table in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, pour in the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Brown the Beef:
Now, it’s time to add the beef stew meat into the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika to season the meat. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step really helps to build flavor in your dish!
3. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients, making sure to scrape up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. They are gold!
4. Pressure Cook:
Close the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. This part is super easy—all you need to do is wait!
5. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes to keep the meat tender. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting. Safety first!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the beef sauce in the Instant Pot. Set the pot back to sauté mode and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now for the best part! Serve the beef tips over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes and sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your meal—it’s going to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness when cooked, you can use other cuts like sirloin or brisket. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time to avoid becoming tough. Adjust the cooking time to about 20 minutes for sirloin, and be sure to check for doneness.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. For flour, use about 3 tablespoons instead of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix it into the liquid ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps, and it may take a little longer to thicken. Arrowroot powder works similarly to cornstarch but gives a glossy finish.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover beef tips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, let them cool fully first. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The result will be just as delicious, but be sure to thicken the sauce at the end as per the original instructions!
