There’s nothing like coming home to a warm, tasty meal that feels like it’s been cooking all day—even though it only took about an hour. That’s the magic of beef tips in the Instant Pot. Whether you need a hearty dinner for the whole family or a quick meal to prep for the week, this recipe gives you tender, flavorful beef with very little effort.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Instant Pot Beef Tips
You want a dinner that’s not only simple to make but also satisfying to eat. This recipe checks all the boxes.
- Quick Cooking, Big Flavor – The pressure cooker transforms tougher cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection in under an hour.
- Minimal Cleanup – It all happens in one pot, from browning to simmering to thickening.
- Perfect for All Ages – It’s a hit with kids, teens, and adults alike.
- Endlessly Versatile – Serve it with whatever you’ve got on hand—rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice.
- Ideal for Leftovers – The flavor only deepens after a day in the fridge, making it a great meal prep option.
When your week is busy and your time is limited, having a go-to dish like this makes all the difference.
Ingredients for Beef Tips in the Instant Pot
Beef stew meat – The key ingredient in beef tips instant pot. Use chuck roast or sirloin tips for tender, flavorful results.
Olive oil – helps brown the beef, adding a rich flavor at the start of cooking.
Onion – Diced onion adds a sweet, savory base to your beef tips instant pot.
Garlic – Fresh garlic boosts the flavor and depth of the sauce.
Beef broth – Creates the sauce for your beef tips instant pot. Low-sodium is best so you can season to taste.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Soy sauce – Brings a salty, savory layer to the dish. Use low-sodium if preferred.
Onion powder – Enhances the flavor, especially if your onions are mild.
Garlic powder – Adds extra richness and balance to the beef tips instant pot seasoning.
How to Make Beef Tips in the Instant Pot
This process couldn’t be easier, but every step matters for flavor and texture. Here’s how you’ll bring it all together:
Sear the Meat:
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Once it’s hot, add olive oil and brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step builds the rich base for your sauce.
Add the Aromatics:
After searing, toss in your diced onions and garlic. Let them soften for 2–3 minutes to bring out their sweetness.
Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in about half a cup of your beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits at the bottom. This prevents the burn warning and adds even more flavor.
Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Stir in the rest of the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and all the spices. Give it a quick stir to combine.
Pressure Cook:
Seal the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to finish.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté,” add the slurry, and stir until the sauce thickens—about 2–3 minutes.
That’s it. Dinner’s ready. And it tastes like you spent all day making it.
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Beef Tips
Want to level up your results? Keep these pro tips in mind:
- Use marbled meat: Chuck roast is affordable and breaks down beautifully under pressure.
- Brown the beef well: Don’t skip this. It adds layers of flavor you can’t replicate later.
- Don’t rush the release: That 10-minute natural release helps the meat relax and stay juicy.
- Deglaze properly: Always scrape the bottom of the pot to avoid triggering the burn alert.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking: The pressure intensifies flavors. Taste and tweak at the end.
With these little tweaks, you’ll turn a basic dinner into something exceptional.
Delicious Variations to Try
This dish is endlessly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to make it your own based on what you have or what you’re craving.
- Creamy Beef Tips: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream after pressure cooking for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Add sliced mushrooms before pressure cooking for an earthy touch.
- Herb-Infused Tips: Toss in a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic result.
- Spicy Beef Tips: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño before sealing the pot.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the cornstarch and serve over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.
Each version still delivers that comforting bite you love—but with a twist that keeps things interesting.
How to Serve Your Instant Pot Beef Tips
You’ve got this rich, hearty pot of beef tips. Now let’s pair it with the right base:
- Mashed potatoes – Classic and cozy. The gravy soaks in beautifully.
- Steamed rice – Perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Egg noodles – Adds a comforting, pasta-style feel.
- Steamed vegetables – For a lighter, balanced plate.
- Crusty bread – A great way to clean the bowl.
You can also prep several sides in advance and let everyone customize their plate—ideal for feeding a crowd.
More Beef recipes you will love!
doritos casserole with ground beef
FAQs About Making Beef Tips in the Instant Pot
How long should you cook beef tips in the Instant Pot?
Set it for 25 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release. This ensures the beef is fork-tender without overcooking.
Can you use frozen beef tips?
Yes, but skip the searing step and add 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time. Always make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Go for chuck roast or sirloin tips. These cuts are budget-friendly and become incredibly tender under pressure.
How do you prevent the burn notice?
Make sure to deglaze thoroughly after browning the beef and avoid thick sauces before pressure cooking.
beef tips instant pot
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat cubed chuck roast or sirloin tips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Optional Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add olive oil and brown beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in ½ cup broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape up all browned bits.
- Add remaining broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot and stir.
- Seal lid, set valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Optional: To thicken, mix cornstarch with cold water. Set Instant Pot to “Sauté,” stir in slurry, and cook until thickened (2–3 minutes).