There’s something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It takes you back to warm memories, cozy kitchens, and flavors that feel like a hug. If you’ve ever craved a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make, Instant Pot Beef Tips & Gravy is the answer. Whether you’re new to the Instant Pot or a seasoned pro, this dish promises melt-in-your-mouth beef smothered in a rich, savory gravy. With the right ingredients and tips, you’ll have a meal worthy of any family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Tips & Gravy
A successful dish starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil (vegetable or olive) | 3 tablespoons |
| Stew meat (or cubed chuck) | 2 pounds |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Sweet onion (finely diced) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh thyme (or dried) | 1 sprig (or 1 tsp) |
| Cornstarch + water | 3 tablespoons each |
| Cooked rice or egg noodles | As needed (optional) |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | As desired |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot does all the hard work, saving you hours of cooking time.
- Flavorful: The blend of Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic creates a gravy that’s bursting with flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and cubing the beef if not already done. This will make the cooking process seamless.
2. Sear the Beef
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting.
- Add the oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in batches until browned. This step locks in the juices.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- After removing the beef, add the diced onion to the pot.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- This adds depth of flavor and prevents burning during pressure cooking.
5. Combine Ingredients
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Pressure Cook
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
7. Thicken the Gravy
- Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pot.
- Let the gravy simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig.
- Serve the beef tips and gravy over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Tips & Gravy
- Choose the Right Cut: Use chuck or stew meat for tender, flavorful beef.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: This step adds a caramelized depth to the beef.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
FAQs About Instant Pot Beef Tips & Gravy
1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! Short ribs or sirloin tips work well if you don’t have chuck or stew meat.
2. How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute cornstarch for flour to thicken the gravy and ensure all seasonings used are gluten-free.
3. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes! Mushrooms, carrots, or peas can be added during the last 10 minutes of pressure cooking for a heartier dish.
4. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can use soy sauce as an alternative, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy if needed.
6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Follow the searing and sautéing steps, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Conclusion: Bring Comfort to Your Table
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, and Instant Pot Beef Tips & Gravy delivers on every level. With its tender beef, rich gravy, and simple preparation, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. Now it’s your turn to create this delicious comfort food. Gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and enjoy the magic of a dish that brings warmth and joy to every bite.
Instant Pot Beef Tips & Gravy
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil vegetable or olive
- 2 pounds stew meat or cubed chuck
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sweet onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water for slurry
- Cooked rice egg noodles, or mashed potatoes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice onion, mince garlic, and cube beef (if needed).
- Sear the Beef:
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode.
- Heat oil until shimmering, season beef with salt and pepper, and sear in batches until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze Pot:
- Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
- Thicken Gravy:
- Switch to sauté mode. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir into the pot. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove bay leaf and thyme sprig. Serve beef tips and gravy over rice, noodles, or potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Adjust seasonings as needed for taste.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.