Instant Pot Beef Tips

Instant Pot Beef Tips are tender, savory bites of beef cooked with mushrooms and onions in a rich, flavorful gravy. The pressure cooker makes this comforting dinner much faster than traditional braising while still giving the beef plenty of time to absorb the savory flavors.

Serve the beef tips and mushroom gravy over hot mashed potatoes for an easy, hearty meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender beef: Pressure cooking helps turn sirloin into tender, flavorful bites.
• Rich homemade gravy: Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce create a savory base.
• One-pot convenience: The Instant Pot handles most of the cooking.
• Comfort food classic: Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
• Easy ingredients: Everything is easy to find at the grocery store.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 beef top sirloin steak (1 pound), cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup dry red wine or beef broth
• 1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms
• 1 small onion, halved and sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Hot cooked mashed potatoes, for serving

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Tips

1. Season the Beef

Pat the sirloin dry with paper towels. Season the beef cubes evenly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Beef

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil.

When the oil is hot, add the beef in batches if necessary. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until browned on the outside.

Transfer the beef to a plate.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Pour the dry red wine or beef broth into the Instant Pot.

Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits add extra flavor to the gravy.

4. Add the Vegetables and Broth

Add the sliced mushrooms and onion to the pot.

Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the Instant Pot. Pour in the 2 cups beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir gently to combine.

5. Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to Sealing.

Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.

When the cooking time is finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.

6. Make the Gravy

Remove the beef and vegetables from the pot if desired.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth.

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the hot cooking liquid.

Cook for 2–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens.

7. Combine and Serve

Return the beef and mushrooms to the gravy and stir gently.

Serve the Instant Pot Beef Tips hot over creamy mashed potatoes, spooning plenty of mushroom gravy over the top.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the searing step. Browning the beef creates deeper flavor.
• Deglaze thoroughly. Scrape up all the browned bits before pressure cooking.
• Don’t add dry cornstarch directly to the pot. Always mix it with cold water first to create a smooth slurry.
• Use natural release for the first 10 minutes. This helps keep the beef tender.
• Adjust the gravy consistency. Start with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry and add more if you prefer a thicker gravy.
• Serve immediately over mashed potatoes for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Top sirloin: Chuck roast or another suitable beef stew cut can be used, though cooking time may need adjustment.
• Red wine: Use additional beef broth if you prefer not to cook with wine.
• Baby portobello mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms work well.
• Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Mashed potatoes: Serve over rice, egg noodles, or mashed cauliflower instead.

Recipe Variations

Beef Tips with Extra Mushrooms

Increase the mushrooms for a heartier mushroom gravy.

Creamy Beef Tips

Once the gravy has thickened, stir in a small amount of sour cream or heavy cream. Keep the heat low and avoid boiling after adding dairy.

Beef Tips and Noodles

Serve the beef and gravy over cooked egg noodles instead of mashed potatoes.

Garlic Beef Tips

Add 2–3 minced garlic cloves after searing the beef and cook briefly before adding the liquid.

Vegetable Beef Tips

Add carrots or other sturdy vegetables to make the dish more substantial.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Beef Tips

Serve these beef tips with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Steamed broccoli
• Dinner rolls
• Simple green salad

How to Store

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick after refrigeration.

Can You Freeze Instant Pot Beef Tips?

Yes. The cooked beef and gravy can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

For the best texture, freeze the beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef broth instead of red wine?

Yes. The recipe already gives beef broth as an alternative to dry red wine. Using broth keeps the dish completely wine-free while still providing plenty of savory flavor.

Why are my beef tips tough?

The beef may need more cooking time depending on the cut and size of the cubes. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform, and allow the pressure to release naturally for the recommended time.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes. Chuck roast is a good option for a more traditional stew-like texture. Cut it into evenly sized pieces and expect it to benefit from pressure cooking.

How do I thicken the gravy?

Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot cooking liquid. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and cook while stirring until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?

Absolutely. Simply leave them out. The beef and onion gravy will still be flavorful.

What should I serve with beef tips?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they soak up the rich gravy. Rice, egg noodles, and mashed cauliflower are also good alternatives.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, including beef tips and gravy but excluding mashed potatoes:

Calories: 390
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Beef Tips are a comforting dinner that combines tender beef, mushrooms, onions, and a rich homemade gravy in one convenient pressure cooker meal. Serving the beef over hot mashed potatoes makes the most of every spoonful of savory sauce.

With a quick sear, a simple pressure-cooking step, and an easy cornstarch-thickened gravy, this is a practical recipe to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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