In the world of modern cooking, the Instant Pot has revolutionized meal preparation by combining convenience, speed, and flavorful results. For busy individuals who want to prepare delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy offers a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making perfect beef tips and gravy in your Instant Pot, from selecting the best cut of meat to ensuring rich, savory gravy.
Introduction to Beef Tips and Gravy
Beef tips and gravy is a classic comfort dish, commonly made by simmering tender beef chunks in a rich, savory sauce. Traditionally, this recipe would require hours of slow cooking to tenderize the beef, but with the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same mouthwatering results in a fraction of the time.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving a warm and filling meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or with a side of vegetables for a complete, balanced dinner.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Beef Tips?
The Instant Pot allows you to cut down the cooking time without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. With the pressure-cooking method, you can infuse the meat with the flavors of the broth and seasonings while achieving a fall-apart texture that typically requires long hours of simmering.
Here are some reasons why the Instant Pot is ideal for cooking beef tips and gravy:
- Speed: What usually takes several hours in a slow cooker or on the stovetop can be done in under an hour.
- Flavor: Pressure cooking allows for deep flavor development, as the steam traps the seasonings and intensifies the taste of the dish.
- Convenience: One of the greatest advantages of the Instant Pot is its set-it-and-forget-it nature. After a quick sauté, you can seal the lid, and the pressure cooker will do the rest.
- Versatility: The Instant Pot can handle sautéing, pressure cooking, and even simmering, making it the only pot you need for this recipe.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
The ingredients for this dish are straightforward, using pantry staples and a few flavorful additions. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat (or sirloin tips) – Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or beef stew meat for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – This helps with browning the beef before pressure cooking.
- 1 onion, diced – The onions will add sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced – Garlic gives the dish a robust flavor.
- 2 cups of beef broth – Use a high-quality beef broth to enrich the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a tangy, umami flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce – It enhances the savory notes in the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon of thyme (dried or fresh) – Thyme adds an earthy, aromatic touch to the beef tips.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – For seasoning the beef and the gravy.
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch – This thickens the gravy to a smooth, velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons of water – You’ll mix this with cornstarch to make a slurry for the gravy.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped chives
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Let’s dive into the preparation process. Follow these easy steps to make your own Instant Pot beef tips and gravy.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting your beef into 1 to 2-inch cubes. While most stores sell pre-cut stew meat, cutting your own beef gives you more control over the size and quality of the chunks. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, turning them with tongs. Browning creates a delicious crust that enhances the flavor of the dish, so avoid overcrowding the pot. This step only takes a few minutes per batch.
After the beef is browned, take it out of the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. After the onions have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in a bit of the beef broth (about ¼ cup) to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will help make the gravy rich and savory.
Step 5: Add the Beef and Broth
Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Pour in the remaining beef broth, along with the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is coated in the flavorful liquids.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid on the Instant Pot and switch the valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ (or ‘Manual’) setting on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release the pressure for about 10-15 minutes. This step allows the meat to finish cooking and helps keep it tender. After the natural release, switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Make the Gravy
After opening the lid, transfer the beef tips to a plate or bowl. Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting again.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering broth in the Instant Pot. Stir constantly to prevent lumps, and cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth or water. Once the gravy is thick and smooth, turn off the Instant Pot.
Step 8: Serve
Return the beef tips to the pot and stir to coat them in the gravy. Sample the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Top with fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Cuts with good marbling, like chuck roast, work best for beef tips. The fat content helps the meat stay tender and juicy during pressure cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef before pressure cooking is essential for building depth of flavor. It’s worth taking the extra time.
- Deglaze the Pot Thoroughly: Deglazing the pot after browning ensures that all the flavorful bits are incorporated into the dish and helps prevent the Instant Pot from displaying a “Burn” warning.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure makes a significant difference in tenderness. Quick-releasing the pressure can make the beef tougher.
Variations of Beef Tips and Gravy
- Add Vegetables: If you want to make this dish a one-pot meal, add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. These vegetables will add texture and nutrients to the dish.
- Herb Substitutes: While thyme works beautifully with beef tips, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, or even a pinch of dried basil for a different flavor profile.
- Wine-Based Gravy: For a more sophisticated flavor, substitute half of the beef broth with red wine. The wine will add richness and a slight acidity to balance the dish.
- Spicy Version: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers: Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the gravy and stir occasionally until the beef is warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze beef tips and gravy for up to three months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the perfect dish when you crave a comforting, flavorful meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The pressure cooker transforms tough cuts of beef into tender, juicy bites while infusing the dish with rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides, from mashed potatoes to egg noodles, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone at the table.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s ready in under an hour. Enjoy the cooking process, and most importantly, savor the delicious results!
FAQs :
- Is it possible to use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use various cuts like chuck roast, sirloin tips, or even beef stew meat. Just make sure it has good marbling for tenderness and flavor. Avoid very lean cuts, as they can become tough during cooking.
- Can I add vegetables to the recipe? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. They will cook along with the beef and absorb the delicious flavors of the gravy.
- How do I prevent the Instant Pot from showing the “Burn” message? Make sure to thoroughly deglaze the pot after browning the beef. Scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot before pressure cooking. Also, ensure you have enough liquid (broth) in the pot to avoid this issue.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Beef tips and gravy taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze them for up to three months.