Instant Pot Beef Tips

Name: Instant Pot Beef Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Mashed potatoes (for serving)

By:

Ava

December 20, 2025

Instant Pot beef tips dish served with vegetables

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Spread the love

Instant Pot Beef Tips

Cooking with an Instant Pot feels like a little bit of magic in the kitchen, doesn’t it? The thrill of seeing beef stew meat transform into tender, mouthwatering beef tips in just minutes can ignite a spark in any home chef. Many times, the rich, savory aromas billowing from the pot lead to eager anticipation from family and friends gathering around the dinner table.

The convenience of the Instant Pot opened a world of possibilities for numerous recipes. Beef tips made in this versatile appliance highlight how easy it is to create comforting meals that satisfy both the palate and the soul. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish bursting with flavor in no time.

⚡ Smart Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Swears By

Alpha Grillers Thermometer

Instant-read accuracy
Backlit display for night grilling
Waterproof & ultra-fast probe

🛒 Shop Now

Chefman Digital Air Fryer

17 smart cooking presets
XL 10L family capacity
Roast, bake, fry & dehydrate

🛒 Shop Now

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Set

3 sizes for every recipe
Pre-seasoned & durable cast iron
Oven & grill ready

🛒 Shop Now

The beauty of Instant Pot beef tips lies in their heartiness. Pair them with fluffy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a warm and comforting plate that everyone will love. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ready to dive into this delicious recipe and discover the joys of cooking beef tips in your Instant Pot? Let’s get started!

The Basics of Instant Pot Beef Tips

Fundamentals

Instant Pot beef tips require a few fundamentals to ensure success. First, the choice of meat plays a crucial role in the final outcome. Opt for beef stew meat, which is often cut from tougher cuts of beef. These cuts become incredibly tender when cooked under pressure for a set time.

Another fundamental is understanding how the Instant Pot works. This appliance combines pressure cooking with sautéing, which allows you to brown the meat and develop flavors before the actual cooking process begins. This two-step process enhances the overall taste of your dish, making the beef tips incredibly satisfying.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need 2 pounds of beef stew meat, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Optional for thickening, you can also prepare 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and some water.

Once you have everything ready, ensure your Instant Pot is cleaned and ready for use. Plug it in, and set it to the ‘Sauté’ setting. This initial step builds the foundation of flavor for your beef tips.

Ingredients

Here’s the rundown of what you need for your beef tips:

2 pounds beef stew meat
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Mashed potatoes (for serving)

Directions

Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add olive oil to the pot and heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
Add the beef stew meat, browning it on all sides for added flavor.
Pour in the beef broth, and mix in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Close and seal the lid, setting the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ mode for 35 minutes.
Allow for natural release, or a quick release if needed.
For thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with some water. Stir this mixture into the pot and sauté until thickened.
Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, spooning gravy over the top.

Instant Pot Beef Tips

Enhancing Flavor with Techniques

Technique

To create the most delectable Instant Pot beef tips, mastering a few techniques is key. Properly browning your beef stew meat during the sautéing process enhances the overall flavor. The Maillard reaction—the browning of proteins—creates a rich base that elevates your dish.

In addition to browning, layering ingredients strategically matters. Start with onions and garlic to build a flavorful foundation before adding the meat. By cooking the aromatics first, you give the beef an extra flavor boost.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some handy tips to ensure your beef tips turn out perfect every time:

🥗 Fresh, Fast & Foolproof — Upgrades You'll Use Tonight

Brieftons 10-Blade Spiralizer

Zoodles in seconds
Heavy-duty, 10 sharp blades
Keto, paleo & gluten-free friendly

🛒 Add to Cart on Amazon

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker

Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1

Meals in ~30 minutes
3-Qt — perfect for 1–3 people
Pressure cook, sauté, steam & more

🛒 Add to Cart on Amazon

ThermoMaven Smart Bluetooth Cooking Thermometer

ThermoMaven Smart Thermometer

Phone alerts & live temp graph
Hands-off monitoring for smokers
Perfect doneness, every time

🛒 Add to Cart on Amazon

Opt for marbled beef stew meat. The marbling adds flavor and tenderness to the dish.
Don’t skip the sautéing step. This technique amplifies the rich flavors in your beef tips.
If you like a hint of sweetness, consider adding a dash of brown sugar while sautéing the onions. It complements the savory elements beautifully.
For a unique flavor twist, experiment with adding a splash of soy sauce along with the Worcestershire sauce.
Always allow for proper release of pressure after cooking to retain moisture in the meat.

Perfecting Your Instant Pot Beef Tips

Perfecting Results

To achieve beef tips that are perfectly tender, timing is essential. Cooking for exactly 35 minutes under pressure usually results in delightful, fork-tender meat. For those who enjoy more caramelization, consider an additional 5 minutes of sautéing after cooking to further develop the flavors.

You could also experiment with cooking time based on your Instant Pot model and the size of the stew meat pieces. Smaller pieces may require less time, while larger chunks may benefit from a longer cooking period.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes, even the most seasoned cooks encounter a slight hiccup in the kitchen. If your beef tips appear tough, it could mean they need a few additional minutes in the Instant Pot. Alternatively, if you find the gravy too thin, simply follow the cornstarch thickening step to enhance the consistency.

For added variety, try incorporating vegetables such as carrots or potatoes directly into the dish. This not only adds color but also increases the nutritional value of your meal.

Serving and Storing Your Beef Tips

Serving and Presentation

The way you serve your Instant Pot beef tips can turn a simple plate into a stunning presentation. Ladle the beef tips and gravy generously over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes for a homestyle appeal.

Consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. This small detail can make a big difference in the visual delight of your meal.

Pairings and Storage

While beef tips are a standout dish on their own, pairing them with simple sides enhances the meal. Serve with crusty bread to scoop up the delicious gravy, or add a side salad for freshness.

You can store leftover beef tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer preservation, freeze them in single servings. Reheat before serving, and you’ll have a quick and satisfying meal ready to go.

In conclusion, the art of cooking Instant Pot beef tips transcends the act itself. It brings comfort, flavor, and joy to the cooking process. These beef tips serve as an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create lasting memories. Dive into this recipe, savor the deliciousness, and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful in your kitchen.

Instant Pot Beef Tips

Author: emily
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Tender and flavorful beef tips cooked quickly in an Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef stew meat
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Mashed potatoes (for serving)

Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add olive oil to the pot and heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
Add the beef stew meat, browning it on all sides for added flavor.
Pour in the beef broth, and mix in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Close and seal the lid, setting the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ mode for 35 minutes.
Allow for natural release, or a quick release if needed.
For thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with some water. Stir this mixture into the pot and sauté until thickened.
Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, spooning gravy over the top.