Name: Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (sweet) onion, diced to 1”; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dry red or white wine (or additional broth); 2 cups low sodium beef broth; ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 sprigs fresh thyme, bundled with kitchen twine; 1 whole bay leaf; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 57 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul and delights your taste buds, the Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This delicious dish features tender, perfectly browned beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy that is bursting with flavor. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get melt-in-your-mouth beef tips in a fraction of the time with deep, developed flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with many pieces of raw red meat cut into cubes. The meat pieces show a mix of dark and bright red colors with some white fat streaks. Coarse salt and black pepper are sprinkled evenly over the meat cubes. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the tender beef to the fragrant herbs and luscious gravy. With just a handful of staples, you’ll create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

2.5 pounds stew meat or beef tips: The star of the show, choose well-marbled pieces for maximum tenderness and flavor.

1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning the beef perfectly.
1 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For beautifully searing the beef and locking in those savory juices.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates rich depth when sautéing the onions and garlic.
1 large Vidalia (sweet) onion, diced: Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the savory beef.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, pungent kick that elevates the gravy.

½ cup dry red or white wine: Adds acidity and complexity; use broth if you prefer no alcohol.
2 cups low sodium beef broth: The flavorful base for the gravy that melds all ingredients beautifully.
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce: Infuses an umami punch and a slight tang that makes the gravy irresistible.

2 sprigs fresh thyme: Aromatic herb that brightens every spoonful.
1 whole bay leaf: Adds a subtle earthy note to the simmering broth.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to perfect silky consistency without clumps.

3 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

The image shows a top view of a metal pot inside a black pressure cooker with diced white onions mixed in a light brown liquid. The onions are cut into small, uneven cubes and spread evenly across the bottom layer, with the liquid giving a shiny texture to the surface. The pot has some wear marks along the top rim, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef

Start by patting your beef tips very dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a gorgeous sear. Then, sprinkle kosher salt and ground pepper evenly over every piece. Seasoning the meat properly upfront is crucial to building a foundation of flavor that will shine through in the finished dish.

Step 2: Sear the Beef in Batches

Hit the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add a third of the beef pieces in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until you get a beautiful golden crust. Repeat for each batch. This caramelization not only enriches the flavor drastically but also locks juices inside the meat, ensuring tenderness.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once all the beef is seared and removed, toss in the butter and wait for it to melt and foam. Add diced Vidalia onion and minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning. After about a minute, the kitchen will fill with a fragrant, buttery aroma — the perfect stage for the next step.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those delicious brown bits stuck from searing the meat. This process, called deglazing, adds unbeatable depth and complexity to the gravy. Cook until the wine’s bubbles subside and the pot is “clean” from residue, signaling all that flavor has been incorporated.

Step 5: Add Broth, Worcestershire, and Herbs

Cancel the Saute mode, then return the beef along with any juices that collected back into the pot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, giving everything a good stir. Nestle in the thyme sprigs tied with kitchen twine and a bay leaf. These herbs will gently infuse the broth as it cooks, creating an aromatic, savory bath for the beef.

Step 6: Pressure Cook for Tender Beef

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to High Pressure for 25 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the pot to pressurize, then the cooking will begin. Once finished, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes — this step is key to achieving that fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Finish by manually releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Carefully open the pot lid away from you to avoid steam burns. Pour in the slurry and stir it into the beef and broth mixture. Turn the Instant Pot back to Saute and let the gravy simmer for 5 to 15 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper for that perfect balance.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is ready to be plated! Serve those tender, flavorful beef tips spooned generously over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered egg noodles for an utterly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a final touch of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing burst of color and subtle herbal notes. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving gives it a rustic, gourmet feel.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly, while polenta offers a slightly sweeter, softer base. Buttery egg noodles or even buttery rice pilaf are fantastic options if you want a little variety. For a lighter balance, consider steamed green beans or sautéed mushrooms to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over a bed of creamy cauliflower mash or sweet potato puree to introduce vibrant color and unexpected flavor. You can also stuff the beef and gravy mixture into puff pastry shells or large baked potatoes for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests at any dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting meal again without any fuss. Make sure to reheat gently to keep the beef tender and the gravy luscious.

Freezing

You can freeze the Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe for up to 3 months. Portion the beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a little headspace to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps maintain the beef’s tenderness and prevents the gravy from separating. You can also microwave leftovers in shorter bursts, stirring between to ensure even heating, but stovetop reheating is recommended for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat or beef tips are ideal for this recipe, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks. Just make sure the meat is well-marbled and suitable for slow cooking to achieve that tender texture.

Is it necessary to use wine in the recipe?

The wine adds wonderful acidity and deep flavor, but if you prefer not to use it, you can substitute additional beef broth. The dish will still be delicious and savory without it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free brand and use cornstarch as thickener, which is already gluten-free. This makes this comforting dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the beef without being gummy. You can adjust the thickening time in the Instant Pot to achieve your preferred consistency.

What can I do if my beef tips are still tough after cooking?

If your beef tips feel a bit tough, try letting the pressure release naturally for a longer time next time, as this gently finishes the cooking process. You can also add a few more minutes to the pressure cooking time if needed for extra tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade, comforting dishes that come together effortlessly thanks to a trusty Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe nails that sweet spot between easy prep and incredible flavor. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become your go-to dinner for busy nights or cozy weekends. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’re going to love every rich, tender bite!