Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy: A Quick and Comforting Meal

Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly in the pressure cooker, delivering tender beef and savory gravy in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The rich, hearty flavors of the beef are complemented by a smooth and savory gravy, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

This guide will walk you through how to make Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy from scratch, share tips for ensuring tender beef and perfect gravy, and explore variations to customize the dish according to your preferences.

Why Choose Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to cooking tough cuts of beef like stew meat or sirloin tips. Typically, these cuts require long, slow cooking to become tender, but the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function dramatically reduces cooking time while still producing tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The rich, savory gravy made in the Instant Pot is another perk, as it’s made from the same pan where the beef is browned, ensuring the flavors meld perfectly.

Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a versatile meal that can be served with a variety of sides. From mashed potatoes to rice, pasta, or vegetables, the hearty beef and gravy go with almost anything. Plus, it’s an easy dish to prepare for a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or even casual entertaining.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

For the Beef and Gravy:

• 2 pounds beef tips or stew meat (such as sirloin, chuck, or round)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
• 1 packet of onion soup mix (or homemade seasoning mix)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

1. Brown the Beef

Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and allow it to heat up. Add olive oil to the pot and swirl to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the meat. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. The browned bits from the beef will add depth of flavor to the gravy.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Add a small amount of beef broth (about ¼ cup) to the pot to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These flavorful bits will enhance the gravy and provide richness to the dish.

4. Pressure Cook the Beef

Once the pot is deglazed, return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, and dried thyme. Stir to combine. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

5. Natural Release and Thicken the Gravy

After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Open the lid and stir the beef. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the beef and gravy mixture, then set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. The tender beef, rich gravy, and satisfying base will make this dish a family favorite.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

1. Brown the Beef Well: Don’t skip the browning step, as it creates a deep, flavorful base for the gravy.
2. Use the Right Cut of Beef: Beef tips, stew meat, or chuck roast are ideal for this dish. They break down into tender pieces under pressure cooking, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Season Well: Season the beef with salt and pepper before browning to enhance its flavor. Don’t forget to taste the gravy at the end and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, always use a cornstarch slurry. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary.
5. Serve Over Comforting Sides: Mashed potatoes are the classic side, but rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables work great as well.

Creative Variations for Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

1. Mushroom Beef Tips and Gravy

Add sliced mushrooms to the sautéed onions and garlic to create a rich, earthy flavor. The mushrooms will absorb the beef’s savory juices and contribute additional texture to the gravy.

2. Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy

For a creamier version of this dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream after pressure cooking. This will create a velvety gravy and add richness to the dish.

3. Garlic Herb Beef Tips and Gravy

Enhance the flavor of your beef tips with garlic and fresh herbs. Add rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to the cooking liquid, or use garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic for extra depth of flavor.

4. Spicy Beef Tips and Gravy

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mixture. The heat balances the richness of the gravy and adds a bit of kick to the dish.

5. Beef Tips in Red Wine Gravy

Instead of using all beef broth, substitute half of the broth with red wine. The wine will deepen the flavor of the gravy, making it perfect for an elegant meal.

Pairing Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Beef tips and gravy are hearty and flavorful, so pairing them with complementary sides can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent pairing ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic pairing for beef tips and gravy. The rich potatoes absorb the gravy beautifully, making for a comforting meal.
• Egg Noodles: Serve the beef tips over egg noodles for a more substantial dish that’s perfect for a filling meal.
• Rice: White rice or brown rice provides a neutral base for the beef tips, allowing the gravy to shine through.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans provide a healthy, crisp contrast to the richness of the beef and gravy.
• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of bread is perfect for dipping in the delicious gravy. Serve it alongside for a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Storing:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making the leftovers just as delicious the next day.

Reheating:

Reheat the beef tips and gravy in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if it thickens too much during storage. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.

Freezing:

If you have a large batch or want to save it for later, Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Why Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a Winner

Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a quick, hearty, and comforting dish that can be made in just under an hour. The pressure cooking method ensures tender beef and a rich, flavorful gravy without hours of simmering. This dish is perfect for those who want a satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Making Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy a Regular Meal

The ease and versatility of Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy make it perfect for adding to your regular dinner rotation. You can experiment with different seasonings, sides, and variations, ensuring that each meal feels fresh and exciting. This dish is also excellent for meal prepping in advance—simply cook a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy will become a beloved meal for everyone.

Start Cooking Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Today

Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that delivers deep, savory flavors with minimal effort. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, ensuring tender beef and rich gravy in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with just the press of a button.