Instant Pot Beef Tips Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty and savory meal that’s full of flavor yet surprisingly easy to make, Instant Pot Beef Tips are the answer. This dish brings tender beef, rich gravy, and all the delicious flavors of slow-cooked beef in a fraction of the time. The magic happens under pressure, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether served over mashed potatoes, polenta, or noodles, this recipe is a winner every time!

Why Instant Pot Beef Tips?

The Instant Pot revolutionizes the cooking process, allowing you to achieve the same rich flavors and tenderness of slow-braising without spending hours in the kitchen. The high-pressure cooking ensures that even tougher cuts of beef, like stew meat, break down to their melt-in-your-mouth best. The combination of onions, garlic, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs creates a deeply flavorful gravy that coats the beef and adds another layer of deliciousness to this dish.

What Are Beef Tips?

Beef tips are not a specific cut of meat but rather pieces left over after processing larger cuts of beef. These tender, bite-sized chunks of beef are ideal for making beef tips in the Instant Pot. You can use pre-cut beef tips or break down a roast like chuck or round into bite-sized pieces. Stew beef, a more affordable option, works perfectly for this recipe and yields wonderfully tender results.

Common Cuts for Beef Tips:

Stew Beef: Typically comes from tougher cuts like chuck roast or round roast.
Beef Tips: Sliced from tender cuts like tenderloin or sirloin.
Homemade Beef Tips: Break down a roast like chuck or round into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Tips

For the Beef:

2.5 pounds stew meat or beef tips
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large Vidalia onion, diced (1-inch pieces)
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Gravy:

1/2 cup dry red or white wine (or additional beef broth)
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh thyme (tied with kitchen twine)
1 whole bay leaf
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Tips

Prepare the Beef:
- Pat the beef dry and season it with salt and pepper.
Sear the Beef:
- Turn the Instant Pot to the “Saute” function and heat olive oil. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets a nice, golden crust. Remove the beef and set it aside in a shallow dish.
Saute the Onions and Garlic:
- Add butter to the Instant Pot and let it melt. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits. This step ensures a deep, rich flavor for the gravy.
Add Liquids and Herbs:
- Return the seared beef to the pot along with any juices. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add the fresh thyme and bay leaf.
Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot, set it to “High Pressure” for 25 minutes, and let it naturally release pressure for 15 minutes.
Thicken the Gravy:
- Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to “Saute” and stir in the slurry. Simmer for 5-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve:
- Serve the beef tips warm over mashed potatoes, polenta, or egg noodles. Enjoy the rich, flavorful gravy over your favorite starch!

Notes:

Make-Ahead Tip: You can marinate the beef and prepare the other ingredients up to 24 hours in advance for an even quicker cooking time.
Wine Choice: Use a dry red or white wine that you would enjoy drinking to ensure a rich flavor in the gravy. Avoid sweet wines as they may alter the taste.
Substitute for Wine: If you prefer to avoid wine, you can use additional beef broth to deglaze and cook the beef.
Pressure Cooking Tips: Always ensure that the bottom of the pot is deglazed properly to avoid the “burn” message during pressure cooking.

Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Tips

Instant Pot Beef Tips are best served with starches that can soak up the rich, flavorful gravy. Here are some great pairings:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes complement the beef and gravy perfectly.
Polenta: A smooth, cornmeal base that pairs wonderfully with the tender beef tips.
Egg Noodles: Classic, comforting, and great for soaking up the sauce.
Cauliflower Puree: For a low-carb option, cauliflower puree is a great alternative to mashed potatoes.

Side Dishes:

Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned, these green beans balance the richness of the beef.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or parsnips add texture and flavor.
Tossed Salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

Storing and Reheating:

In the Fridge:

Store leftover beef tips in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth to keep the gravy smooth.

Freezing:

Freeze beef tips in the gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat in a pot over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, if you can’t find stew meat or beef tips, you can use chuck roast or top round roast. Cut the roast into 1.5-inch cubes before cooking.

Can I make this without wine?
Yes, you can replace the wine with additional beef broth for a wine-free option.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the gravy for a spicy kick.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, marinate the beef and prepare the ingredients ahead of time, then cook it when ready.