If you've ever found yourself craving that slow-simmered, restaurant-style beef tips flavor but didn’t have all afternoon to spend in the kitchen, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. That’s exactly how I discovered the magic of Instant Pot Beef Tips. This recipe has completely changed the way I think about weeknight comfort food. In just half an hour, I can have a rich, savory, and deeply flavorful dish on the table—one that tastes like it took hours of love and patience.
These Instant Pot Beef Tips come out incredibly tender every single time—like melt-in-your-mouth tender. The pressure cooking process locks in all the juicy flavor, while the gravy gets this deep, soul-warming richness that clings perfectly to whatever you serve it over. I usually go for fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, but it’s just as good poured over a bowl of rice on a busy night.
What I love most about this Instant Pot Beef Tips recipe isn’t just the taste—it’s how dependable it is. It’s become one of those dishes I make when I want a guaranteed win. Whether it's a chilly weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, it hits the mark every time. My kids ask for it by name, and even my picky father-in-law goes back for seconds.
And the best part? It’s beginner-friendly. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a few pantry staples, a pressure cooker, and a little bit of trust in the process. If you’ve never made Instant Pot Beef Tips before, I can promise you this: once you do, it’ll become one of those recipes you reach for again and again.
What Makes Instant Pot Beef Tips So Popular?
There’s a reason why Instant Pot Beef Tips have become such a staple in my cold-weather meal rotation—they take the stress and guesswork out of making perfectly tender beef. Before I owned an Instant Pot, I thought rich, slow-cooked beef tips were only possible after hours on the stove or in the oven. But now? This pressure cooker has completely changed the game. With the Instant Pot Beef Tips recipe I use, I can get that same deep, comforting flavor and fall-apart texture in under an hour—no babysitting required.
When the temperatures drop and I want something cozy and satisfying, this is the dish I reach for. It’s warm, hearty, and the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day. And the versatility is another big win: serve these Instant Pot Beef Tips over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even crusty bread—it works beautifully with almost anything. Plus, the leftovers are next-level delicious. I actually think the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge, making it a smart choice for meal prep or a second-day dinner that tastes like a treat.
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Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tomato paste
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornstarch
- Cold water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Tips for Instant Pot Beef Tips:
- For the most tender results, choose beef chuck roast and cut it yourself rather than using pre-packaged "stew meat" which can be inconsistent in quality
- If you're sensitive to salt, use low-sodium beef broth
- No mushrooms? No problem! The recipe works beautifully without them
For deeper flavor, substitute one cup of the beef broth with red wine
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Sear the Beef
- Pat dry the beef cubes with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and wait until the display reads "Hot."
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot Instant Pot.
- Working in batches (about half the beef at a time), sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the pot.
- Add diced onions to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to release their moisture.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build Flavor and Pressure Cook
- Pour in about ¼ cup of the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to prevent the "burn" message!
- Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
- Cancel the Sauté mode.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing" position.
- Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) and set to High Pressure for 15 minutes (for chuck roast) or 12 minutes (for sirloin).
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve to "Venting."
Make the Gravy
- Open the lid carefully, away from your face, and remove the bay leaf.
- Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid while stirring constantly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Finish and Serve your Instant Pot Beef Tips
- Turn off the Instant Pot once the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Let the beef tips rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
For an extra touch, drizzle additional gravy over the top of each serving.
- Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef
Sear seasoned beef cubes and sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic in the Instant Pot to build flavor.
- Step 2: Build Flavor and Pressure Cook
Add all liquids and seasonings, return beef, and pressure cook until tender.
- Step 3: Make the Gravy
Thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry to create rich, savory gravy.
- Step 4: Finish and Serve your Instant Pot Beef Tips
Let rest, garnish with parsley, and serve hot over your favorite starch.
Helpful Hints and Time-Saving Tips for instant pot beef tips
For even more tender instant pot beef tips, let the meat come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly under pressure.
If you're really short on time, you can skip the searing step. While browning adds flavor, the pressure cooking will still create delicious instant pot beef tips. Just add all ingredients to the pot, stir well, and proceed with pressure cooking.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions of instant pot beef tips
This Instant Pot Beef Tips recipe is naturally gluten-free (just double-check your beef broth ingredients). It's also low in carbs if you skip the traditional starches and serve it over cauliflower mash instead.
For a complete meal, pair your instant pot beef tips with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience
- Buttered egg noodles for a hearty pasta dish
- Steamed white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious gravy
- Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Recipe Variations
- Cream-Based Version: After cooking, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream for a stroganoff-style dish
- Italian-Inspired: Swap the thyme and rosemary for Italian seasoning and add a can of diced tomatoes before pressure cooking
- Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots and celery with the onions for a more stew-like result
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free if served without dairy-based sides
- Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauliflower mash and add extra mushrooms for a low-carb meal
Equipment
The star of this recipe is obviously the Instant Pot. A 6-quart model works perfectly for this recipe, though an 8-quart will work as well. If you don't have an Instant Pot specifically, any electric pressure cooker will do the job.
Additional helpful tools include:
- A good knife for cutting the beef into evenly sized pieces
- A wooden spoon for deglazing (metal can scratch the Instant Pot liner)
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- A small bowl for mixing the cornstarch slurry
Storage
Leftover beef tips actually taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy will thicken considerably when chilled, but will thin out again when reheated.
To freeze, cool the beef tips completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy is too thick.
The Tenderness Trick My Grandma Would’ve Loved
I’ll never forget the night I first discovered the real secret to melt-in-your-mouth Instant Pot Beef Tips—and it had nothing to do with seasoning or fancy ingredients. It happened completely by accident, on one of those chaotic weeknights where everything feels like it’s moving too fast. I had thrown together dinner quickly—some beef tips, broth, and a few pantry staples—and as the timer beeped on the Instant Pot, I reached for the quick release without thinking.
But something stopped me. Maybe it was intuition, maybe exhaustion, but I decided to just let the pressure come down naturally while I stepped away to help with homework. Ten minutes later, I opened the lid—and that’s when it hit me. The aroma was deep and savory, but the real surprise was the texture. The beef was so tender, I didn’t even need a knife. It reminded me of the way my grandma used to slow-cook her instant pot beef tips on the stove all Sunday afternoon—soft, juicy, and completely infused with flavor.
That was the moment I realized: the natural pressure release is the key. It’s not just a technical step—it’s where the magic happens. During those 10 quiet minutes, the meat fibers relax and reabsorb their juices, transforming tough chunks into buttery bites. When I later tested it with a quick release for comparison, the difference was clear: the beef was noticeably drier and chewier. Ever since then, I never skip the resting time. It’s a small act of patience that turns a simple pot of Instant Pot Beef Tips into something deeply satisfying—like a hug in a bowl.
Now, every time I make this dish, I think of my grandma and how much she would’ve loved this modern shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or tradition. And honestly, that 10-minute wait has become part of the ritual—a pause in the rush of life that somehow makes dinner taste even better.
FAQ
How long do you cook beef tips in the Instant Pot?
Beef tips typically cook in the Instant Pot for 25–30 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. This timing allows the meat to become fall-apart tender while soaking up all the rich flavors of the gravy. For best results, use well-marbled stew meat or sirloin tips and let the pot naturally release.
How to make beef tender in Instant Pot?
To make beef tender in the Instant Pot, cook it under high pressure for at least 25–30 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release. This resting time is essential—it helps the beef fibers relax and reabsorb moisture. Use well-marbled cuts like chuck or sirloin, and avoid quick pressure release, which can toughen the meat.
How long do you cook beef in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time for beef in the Instant Pot depends on the cut. For beef tips or stew meat, cook for 25–30 minutes on high pressure with a natural release. Tougher cuts like chuck roast may need up to 45 minutes. Always adjust the time based on thickness and use natural release for tender, juicy results.
How long do you cook beef tips for?
Beef tips need to cook for 25 to 30 minutes under high pressure in the Instant Pot. After cooking, let the pot sit for an additional 10 minutes of natural pressure release to ensure the meat stays tender and flavorful. This timing makes it easy to enjoy slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time.
From Our Family Table to Yours: Why These Instant Pot Beef Tips Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
There’s something so rewarding about finding a dish that’s both incredibly easy and genuinely unforgettable—and that’s exactly what these Instant Pot Beef Tips are. They take everything you love about classic, slow-simmered beef and deliver it in a fraction of the time, all without compromising flavor or tenderness. The rich, savory gravy and buttery-soft beef turn an ordinary night into a comforting family dinner, and chances are, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again.
If you’re just starting out with pressure cooking or looking to expand your go-to recipes, don’t stop here. You’ll also love the fall-off-the-bone flavor of my Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks or the bold, tangy goodness of Instant Pot Chicken Adobo—both perfect companions in your Instant Pot journey.
So go ahead—bookmark this Instant Pot Beef Tips recipe, give it a try tonight, and make it your own. Whether you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles, I hope it brings warmth and joy to your kitchen like it has to mine. And when you do try it, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Did your family fall in love with it too? Did you add your own twist? Let’s swap ideas and keep the comfort food love going.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe Instant Pot Beef Tips:
Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6 qt or 8 qt) Any electric pressure cooker will work
- Wooden Spoon For deglazing
- Chef’s knife For trimming and cubing beef
- Cutting board For meat and vegetables
- Mixing bowl To combine cornstarch slurry
- Measuring cups/spoons For accuracy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef chuck roast or sirloin Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Divided
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 8 ounces Mushrooms Sliced, optional
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 cups Beef broth Low-sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 1 Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch For thickening
- 2 tablespoons Cold water For slurry
- Fresh parsley Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté beef in Instant Pot until browned.
- Remove beef and sauté onions and mushrooms.
- Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Deglaze pot with broth and scrape bits.
- Add remaining liquids, herbs, and beef.
- Pressure cook on High for 15 minutes.
- Let Instant Pot naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Open lid and set pot to Sauté mode.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
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