Instant Pot Beef Tips are my weeknight sanity saver. When I want something rich and cozy without hovering over the stove, this is what I make. Easy Instant Pot Beef Tips for Dinner come together fast, taste slow cooked, and leave enough gravy to spoon over everything. If you are craving comfort in a bowl, stick with me. I will walk you through what cut to buy, how to get that glossy gravy, and a few fun swaps so it never gets boring. Ready to dig in?
Why This Recipe Works
Here is the short version of why these beef tips hit the spot. We build flavor in layers, we do not overthink it, and the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting. That is it. But let me break it down so your batch turns out just right.
The simple method that delivers big flavor
First, we use the Sauté setting to brown the beef in a little oil. Getting that deep brown on the outside gives you a head start on flavor. Then we soften onion and garlic in the same pot, which means all those tasty brown bits get scooped up into the gravy. A splash of beef broth loosens what is stuck, and a touch of Worcestershire brings that savory, beefy punch.
Next, pressure does the magic. Tough connective tissue relaxes under pressure, so even budget cuts turn fork tender in about 30 minutes of cook time plus release. When it is done, we thicken the cooking liquid with a quick cornstarch slurry. That turns it into a glossy gravy that clings to every bite.
Kids love it because it is rich and familiar. Adults love it because it feels like Sunday dinner on a Tuesday. And I love it because it is reliable. If you are dipping your toe into pressure cooking, this recipe is a great place to start, especially if you are craving Easy Instant Pot Beef Tips for Dinner.
If you are building out a weekly plan, I have more comfort ideas tucked into my Instant Pot recipes collection.
Which cut of beef is best for Beef Tips?
Beef tips can mean a few different cuts, but what you want is something that becomes tender with time and moisture. My favorite choice is chuck roast. It is affordable, has enough marbling to stay juicy, and shreds softly once cooked. Slice it into chunks about 1 to 1.5 inches for even results.
Good options and what to avoid
Other good options are top sirloin and bottom round. Sirloin stays pleasantly meaty and is a little leaner. Bottom round is lean but takes well to pressure and gravy. If your store sells pre-cut stew meat, check it for big fat caps or gristle. It can be a mix of odds and ends, so trim anything that looks tough.
I avoid very lean steak tips for this. Lean cuts can turn chewy and dry under pressure. You want some fat. Not a lot, but some. Trim big hard pieces of fat and any silver skin, but let the smaller bits be. They melt into the sauce and make the final gravy taste beefy and full.
How to serve this Beef Tips and Gravy Instant Pot Recipe
Your cozy dinner game plan
There are so many ways to plate this. I almost always spoon the beef and gravy over something that catches all that sauce. A soft, buttery base is key to the happy bites.
- Mashed potatoes are the classic move. The creamy texture is perfect with savory gravy.
- Buttered egg noodles are lightning fast and kid approved.
- Steamed rice or brown rice makes a simple bowl that stretches leftovers.
- Polenta for something a little special.
- Or go bistro style with garlicky mushroom risotto.
I like to add a bright side to balance the richness. A crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or peas tossed with lemon keeps the plate from feeling heavy. If you want a simple dinner rhythm, make the base first, then start the beef. By the time the pressure releases, your side is ready to go.
Here is the simple flow I use every time. Pat your beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown the pieces in two batches on Sauté so you do not crowd the pot. Set the beef aside, then add onion and a pinch more oil. Cook until soft, add garlic for a quick stir, then pour in beef broth to deglaze the pot. Return the beef, add Worcestershire, a spoon of tomato paste if you like, and a pinch of dried thyme. Seal it, set to High Pressure for 22 minutes, and let it rest for a 10 minute natural release. Stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken. Taste and adjust salt. That is it.
My husband said it tasted like it had simmered all day. We had seconds, and then he planned what he would do with the leftovers. That never happens with weeknight meals at our house.
If you are building a cozy menu, these beef tips play nicely with a quick salad and some crusty bread. Or go full comfort and let the gravy do what it does best. This is where Easy Instant Pot Beef Tips for Dinner really shine.
Ideas for Customizing Beef Tips
Make it your own with a few small tweaks. The base recipe is simple and forgiving, which means you can nudge the flavor in different directions without breaking it.
Fun flavor twists
Mushroom lovers can sauté sliced cremini or baby bellas after browning the beef. Their juices deepen the gravy. Like a hint of sweetness? Stir in a spoon of tomato paste while you deglaze. For a bistro vibe, swap half a cup of the broth for red wine. It reduces into something lush and special.
If you want cozy Italian notes, add a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil, then finish with fresh parsley. Or take it toward steakhouse territory with a pat of butter and a dash of cracked pepper at the end. For a creamy version, stir in a dollop of sour cream off the heat and whisk until silky.
Want a stronger beef-forward flavor? Add a teaspoon of beef bouillon paste. Going smoky? Try a pinch of smoked paprika. Craving a little heat? Red pepper flakes do the trick. If you enjoy bold, saucy dinners, you might also like making beef ragu in the Instant Pot. Same idea, different mood.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Pat the beef dry before browning. Moisture makes it steam, not sear.
- Work in batches on Sauté. Crowding the pot prevents browning.
- Deglaze well. Scrape every brown bit after adding broth for cleaner Instant Pot alerts and better flavor.
- Use a 10 minute natural release before quick release to relax the meat and keep it tender.
- Thicken with a cornstarch slurry at the end. Start with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water. Add more if you want thicker gravy.
- Taste and season at the end. Pressure cooking can mute salt and acid a little.
- Leftovers reheat great. Add a splash of broth and warm gently so they stay soft.
- Serving a crowd? Keep it on Keep Warm and stir now and then so nothing sticks.
Looking for another crowd-pleaser for game day or weekend sandwiches? Try these juicy French dip sandwiches next.
Common Questions
Do I have to brown the beef first?
You do not have to, but it makes a big difference in flavor. Browning gives you that deep, savory base that makes the gravy special.
How long should I cook the beef tips?
For 1 to 1.5 inch chunks, 22 minutes on High Pressure with a 10 minute natural release works well. Larger chunks may need 25 minutes.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. Use gluten free beef broth and thicken with cornstarch. Skip any sauces that contain gluten or swap for gluten free versions.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Arrowroot works. Mix it with cool water first and stir it into hot liquid off the heat to keep it smooth.
How do I prevent the burn warning?
Scrape the pot after deglazing, and make sure there is enough liquid. Avoid thickening until after pressure cooking.
Ready for Cozy Spoon Tender Comfort Tonight
If your evenings feel packed and you still want a warm, satisfying meal, Easy Instant Pot Beef Tips for Dinner are a reliable answer. Brown a little, pressure cook, thicken, and you are done. You will get tender bites in a rich gravy that loves mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. If you want more ideas and methods, you might enjoy the technique in this Instant Pot Beef Tips Recipe – Creme De La Crumb and the helpful notes from Instant Pot Beef Tips – Simply Happy Foodie. Now grab your pot, season your beef, and let dinner basically cook itself.
Instant Pot Beef Tips
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy Ingredients
- 2 pounds chuck roast Cut into 1 to 1.5 inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning beef
- 1 large onion Chopped
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 cup beef broth For deglazing and cooking
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds a savory punch
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste Optional, for added sweetness
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adds herby flavor
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mixed with water for thickening gravy
- 1 tablespoon water Mixed with cornstarch for thickening
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and set to Sauté mode.
- Brown the beef in two batches, ensuring not to crowd the pot.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then cook the onion until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for a quick stir until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all browned bits.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, followed by Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to High Pressure for 22 minutes.
- After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir in the slurry to thicken the gravy and adjust seasoning to taste.
