Name: Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 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·5.2 from 24 reviews

Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy is one of those heartwarming, family-pleasing meals that never disappoints, thanks to meltingly tender beef and an irresistibly rich, silky sauce. No matter which cut you use, the Instant Pot transforms every bite into pure comfort and saves you hours at the stove. If you’re craving a dinner that’s both cozy and impressive enough for guests, grab your pressure cooker—this is about to become your new favorite way to do beef stew!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of readily available ingredients, but don’t be fooled by their simplicity—each one plays a crucial role in creating the deep flavors and velvety texture of Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy. Here’s what goes into this magical pot, and why it matters:

Beef tips or stew meat: The star of the show—choose well-marbled pieces like chuck or round for ultra-tender beef that holds up beautifully under pressure.
Kosher salt & ground pepper: Essential for bringing out the meat’s natural savoriness and seasoning the whole dish from the start.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that irresistible sear on the beef, locking in juices and flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and silkiness to both the onions and the finished gravy.
Vidalia (sweet) onion: Lends a wonderful sweetness and aromatic depth; dicing it large gives the sauce body.
Garlic: Four cloves add fragrant warmth, making the sauce anything but flat.
Dry red or white wine (or extra broth): Deglazes the pot and helps lift every bit of flavor from the bottom—taste plus chemistry!
Low sodium beef broth: Provides a flavorful, savory liquid base for the gravy.
Worcestershire sauce: Amps up the savory, umami notes, making the sauce wonderfully complex.
Fresh thyme sprigs (or dried): Infuses subtle herbal notes; fresh is lovely, but dried works fine in a pinch.
Bay leaf: Adds that characteristic haunting background flavor you’d miss if it wasn’t there.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to finish the dish with a glossy, pourable gravy.
Water: Combines with the cornstarch for a lump-free slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by patting your beef tips as dry as possible—a dry surface means a better, deeper sear. Don’t skip the generous sprinkle of salt and pepper; seasoning early gives the flavor a head start and ensures every bite is delicious.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Switch your Instant Pot to “Saute,” then pour in your olive oil and let it shimmer. Sear the beef in batches, letting each side get beautifully caramelized before you turn or remove it. Crowd the pot, and you’ll steam instead of sear—patience is the secret to the best-tasting beef tips!

Step 3: Saute the Aromatics

Add the butter to your hot pot and let it foam, then stir in your diced onions and freshly minced garlic. Saute for just a minute—enough to turn fragrant and translucent, without letting anything burn.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in your wine (or extra broth, if you prefer), scraping up every bit of caramelized goodness from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Not only does this prevent a burn warning, but it also infuses your gravy with rich flavor from those browned bits.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Cancel the “Saute,” then return every piece of browned beef and its juices to the pot. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire, tuck in your bundle of fresh thyme and a bay leaf, and give it all a good mix. These simple additions take Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy to the next level.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Seal your Instant Pot and cook on “High Pressure” for 25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for another 15—don’t rush this part! The gentle release is key to melt-in-your-mouth, ultra-tender beef.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy

While the meat cooks, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry. Once the pressure drops, open the lid safely and stir in the slurry. Switch back to “Saute,” and simmer until your gravy thickens to glossy perfection. Give it a taste, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy

Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a scatter of snipped chives never fails to brighten up your plate, adding color and a fresh, herbal note right at the end. For an extra pop, a touch of cracked black pepper means every bite has just a little zing.

Side Dishes

The magic of Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy is that it’s made for sopping up sauce, so aim for starches like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or wide egg noodles. Crusty bread or a side of roasted root vegetables make excellent supporting players, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the beef tips over a mound of garlicky mashed cauliflower for a lighter spin, or spoon generous helpings atop a crisp slice of toast in true comfort-food fashion. For an elegant touch, serve over mini Yorkshire puddings at your next dinner party—talk about a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Store in a tightly sealed container, and keep the gravy and beef together so the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extras, transfer fully cooled beef and gravy to a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before heating through, and you’ll have a ready-made comfort meal at your fingertips for up to three months.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir occasionally and heat until everything is piping hot, which brings back that luxurious sauce and tenderness as if freshly made.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While pre-cut stew meat is convenient, a well-marbled chuck or round roast cut into bite-sized pieces will yield incredible results. Just make sure to trim any huge fatty bits so your gravy stays smooth.

Is it necessary to sear the meat first?

Yes, if you can spare the time. Searing gives the meat deep, savory flavor and creates those delicious browned bits that flavor the whole gravy. It’s worth the extra step!

Can I make Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy without wine?

Definitely. Just substitute with additional beef broth instead of wine—the dish will still be deliciously savory and rich. The wine adds a bit of depth, but you won’t lose anything essential by skipping it.

How can I make this Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy gluten-free?

Easy! The recipe already uses cornstarch rather than flour to thicken the gravy, so as long as your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free (check your label), you’re good to go.

What should I do if my gravy is too thin or too thick?

If your gravy needs thickening, simmer it on “Saute” until reduced, or add a little extra cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash of broth until it’s exactly how you like it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so inviting about sharing a meal like Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy—you get all the flavor and warmth of a slow-cooked classic in a fraction of the time. If you’re craving a cozy dinner that practically makes itself, give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular on your table. Enjoy every comforting bite!