Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2.5 pounds stew meat or beef tips
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large Vidalia (sweet) onion, diced to 1”
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Ingredients
- ½ cup dry red or white wine (or additional broth)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Thickener
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, bundled with kitchen twine
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Meat: Pat the beef tips very dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and ground pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Instant Pot: Select the ‘Sauté’ mode on your Instant Pot, setting to medium heat if possible, and allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes until ready for cooking. Pour in olive oil and heat until it shimmers, signaling it is hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Beef: Add one-third of the beef pieces in a single, even layer to the pot and sear for about 3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the surface. Remove seared pieces with tongs or a slotted spoon and repeat the process with the remaining beef in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the pot and heat until melted and foaming. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to soften and release their aroma.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking and stirring until the wine has mostly evaporated and the pot bottom is clean, which prevents burning during pressure cooking.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Cancel the ‘Sauté’ function, then return all the seared beef to the pot along with any collected juices. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stir to combine, and add the bundled fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf on top.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid properly and set the cooker to ‘High Pressure’ mode for 25 minutes. It will take approximately 10 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before the cooking timer begins.
- Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes to ensure the beef becomes tender. Then manually release any remaining pressure carefully before opening the lid.
- Thicken Gravy: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. Open the lid carefully, avoiding steam, then stir the slurry into the pot. Re-select the ‘Sauté’ function and simmer the sauce for 5 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove the thyme and bay leaf bundle. Serve the beef tips immediately over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use stew meat or beef tips that are well-marbled for tender, flavorful results.
- Drying the meat before searing is essential to achieve a deep crust and prevent steaming.
- Bundling fresh thyme with kitchen twine makes it easy to remove after cooking.
- If you prefer, use additional beef broth instead of wine to keep the dish alcohol-free.
- Allowing natural pressure release helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
- The gravy can be adjusted in thickness by simmering longer or adding more slurry based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American