Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy

There’s nothing quite like a comforting plate of tender beef tips smothered in rich, savory gravy.

Whether you grew up eating this Southern-style staple or are discovering it for the first time, Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy will win you over from the very first bite. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with warm, hearty aromas and makes you want to linger at the table for an extra helping.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something cozy but didn’t want to stand over a stove for hours. Enter the Instant Pot, my trusty helper for turning tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection in a fraction of the time. In under an hour, you get chunks of buttery beef bathed in a thick, flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

If you’re craving a meal that feels like Sunday dinner but fits into a busy weeknight, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Beef:
   Start by patting the beef cubes dry with a paper towel, this helps them brown beautifully. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the beef in batches (avoid overcrowding) and sear until each piece is browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives your beef those delicious caramelized edges. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion:
   Add the chopped onion to the pot, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon. These browned bits, known as “fond,” are pure flavor gold. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Deglaze and Add Liquids:
   Pour in about ½ cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pot fully. Scrape the bottom to release any stuck residue, this prevents a burn notice. Then add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir everything together.
4. Pressure Cook:
   Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring all pieces are submerged in the liquid. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release before carefully venting the remaining pressure manually.
5. Make the Gravy:
   Once the pressure has released, open the lid and set the pot to Sauté mode again. Stir in the cornstarch slurry while the beef simmers. Within a few minutes, you’ll notice the gravy thickening to a silky, glossy texture that clings perfectly to each piece of beef. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Spoon the tender beef tips and creamy gravy over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles. Sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top if you’d like a pop of color. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the table!

Tips

• Beef Cuts: Stew meat, sirloin tips, or chuck roast all work beautifully. Chuck roast gives the most tenderness due to its marbling.
• Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in another half tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with equal water and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
• No Instant Pot? You can make this on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef, simmer for 2–3 hours (stovetop) or cook on low for 6–7 hours (slow cooker), adding the slurry near the end.
• Add Veggies: Carrots, mushrooms, or peas make great additions for a complete meal. Add them after pressure cooking to keep them firm.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.
• Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard deepens the flavor of the gravy beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Tender Beef: The Instant Pot breaks down the fibers in the meat until it’s fork-tender and succulent, without a long braising time.
• Rich, Velvety Gravy: Made from the same broth used to cook the beef, the gravy is layered with umami depth and lush texture.
• Simple and Foolproof: With minimal ingredients and clear steps, even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Perfect for cozy dinners or when you want a meal that feeds both the stomach and the soul.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower mash, this dish is endlessly adaptable.
• Efficient Yet Impressive: You’ll have a hearty, family-style meal ready in about 40 minutes total , no oven babysitting, no fuss.

Imagine this dish on a cold evening: tender pieces of beef yielding effortlessly to your fork, glossy gravy soaking into a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, and the smell of roasted, savory goodness filling your kitchen. That’s the kind of comfort only a classic like this can bring.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef in the Instant Pot?
Yes! If cooking from frozen, skip the sear step and add 5 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time. The texture will still be tender, though you’ll miss a bit of caramelization flavor.

2. How do I keep beef tips from getting tough?
Make sure to use cuts like chuck or stew meat that perform well under pressure cooking. Avoid lean cuts, they can dry out. The key is letting the Instant Pot do its full cook-and-release cycle.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and replace cornstarch slurry with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for the same result.

4. How can I make the gravy creamier?
Once thickened, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a small dollop of sour cream for a silky finish.

5. What side dishes go best with beef tips and gravy?
Classic mashed potatoes are a winner, but buttered noodles, white rice, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad pair beautifully, balancing richness with freshness.

Few dishes bring as much comfort, flavor, and satisfaction with so little effort as Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy. It’s warm, hearty, and feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for feeding your family or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

So grab your Instant Pot, gather those few humble ingredients, and let the magic happen. You’ll sit down to a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon, even though you whipped it up in under an hour.