Effortless Instant Pot Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy: A Weeknight Delight

Beef tips with mushroom gravy are a classic comfort food, but they often require hours of simmering on the stovetop. This Instant Pot recipe transforms this traditionally lengthy dish into a quick and easy weeknight meal. The pressure cooker tenderizes the beef in a fraction of the time, resulting in incredibly flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth beef tips drenched in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. This recipe is perfect for busy families, anyone who loves comfort food, or those who want to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

## Why Use an Instant Pot for Beef Tips?

The Instant Pot offers several advantages when making beef tips:

* **Speed:** Pressure cooking significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods. What would normally take 2-3 hours on the stovetop can be achieved in under an hour with the Instant Pot.
* **Tenderness:** The high pressure helps break down tough cuts of beef, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy meat.
* **Flavor:** The sealed environment of the Instant Pot traps moisture and concentrates flavors, creating a richer and more flavorful gravy.
* **Ease:** It’s a hands-off cooking method. Once the ingredients are in the Instant Pot, you can walk away and let it do its magic.
* **One-Pot Meal (Almost):** While you might want to cook rice or mashed potatoes separately, the beef and gravy are made entirely in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Instant Pot beef tips with mushroom gravy recipe:

* **Beef Tips:** 2 pounds of beef tips (also labeled as stew meat). Look for well-marbled pieces for the best flavor and tenderness. Chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes also works well.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped. Forms the base of the flavorful gravy.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces, sliced. Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms work well.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Beef Broth:** 2 cups. Provides the liquid for pressure cooking and forms the base of the gravy. Use low-sodium to control the salt content.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Enhances the richness and color of the gravy.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Adds an earthy and aromatic note.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon. Complements the thyme and adds another layer of flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1. Adds subtle flavor; remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons. For thickening the gravy (optional).
* **Cold Water:** 2 tablespoons. To create a cornstarch slurry for thickening the gravy (optional).
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly tender and flavorful Instant Pot beef tips with mushroom gravy:

**1. Prepare the Beef:**

* Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
* Season generously with salt and black pepper.

**2. Sear the Beef:**

* Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
* Add the olive oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute or two.
* Working in batches, sear the beef tips on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté until they release their moisture and brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

**4. Deglaze the Pot:**

* Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where a lot of flavor resides!

**5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Return the seared beef tips to the Instant Pot.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
* Stir everything together to combine.

**6. Pressure Cook:**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes.
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

**7. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):**

* Remove the bay leaf.
* If you want a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
* Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function.
* Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a few minutes.

**8. Serve:**

* Serve the Instant Pot beef tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower mash.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Tips

* **Don’t skip the searing:** Searing the beef is essential for developing a rich, deep flavor. Make sure to sear in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
* **Use good quality beef:** While the Instant Pot can tenderize tougher cuts of beef, starting with a good quality cut will always result in a better final product. Look for well-marbled beef tips or chuck roast.
* **Don’t overcook:** Overcooking the beef can make it dry and tough. 35 minutes is usually the perfect cooking time, but you may need to adjust it slightly depending on the size and thickness of your beef tips.
* **Adjust the seasoning:** Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.
* **Deglaze thoroughly:** Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot when deglazing. This is where a lot of the flavor resides.
* **Natural Pressure Release (NPR) is Key:** Allowing for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes after the pressure cooking cycle significantly contributes to the tenderness of the beef. A quicker release can result in tougher meat.
* **Cut the Beef Properly:** If you’re using a chuck roast, ensure you cut the beef into approximately 1-inch cubes. This size ensures even cooking and proper tenderization.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the Instant Pot, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Add them along with the onions and mushrooms.
* **Use different mushrooms:** Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Add red wine:** For a richer and more complex flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the Instant Pot along with the beef broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
* **Make it creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.
* **Spicy Beef Tips:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno to the pot with the onions and mushrooms to kick up the heat.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Ensure the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free. Use cornstarch or tapioca starch to thicken the gravy.

## Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot beef tips with mushroom gravy are delicious served over:

* Mashed potatoes
* Rice (white, brown, or wild)
* Egg noodles
* Cauliflower mash (for a low-carb option)
* Polenta
* Quinoa

They also pair well with:

* Steamed green beans
* Roasted asparagus
* A side salad
* Crusty bread for soaking up the gravy

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the beef tips with mushroom gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover beef tips with mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the beef tips with mushroom gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use frozen beef tips?**

Yes, you can use frozen beef tips. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to separate the beef tips as much as possible before adding them to the Instant Pot.

* **Can I make this without an Instant Pot?**

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. For the stovetop, simmer the beef tips in the gravy for 2-3 hours, or until tender. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

* **Why is my gravy thin?**

If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (as described in the recipe) or by simmering it uncovered on the “Sauté” function until it reduces to your desired consistency.

* **My beef tips are tough. What did I do wrong?**

Tough beef tips can be caused by several factors, including overcooking, undercooking, or using a low-quality cut of beef. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and use a well-marbled cut of beef. If your beef tips are still tough, try cooking them for a longer period of time.

* **Can I add potatoes to the Instant Pot?**

Yes, you can add potatoes to the Instant Pot. Add them at the same time as the beef tips and adjust the cooking time as needed. You may need to cut the potatoes into smaller pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.

## Recipe Card

text
## Instant Pot Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy

A comforting and easy weeknight meal featuring tender beef tips simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, all made in the Instant Pot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6

### Ingredients:

* 2 pounds beef tips (or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
* 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Beef:** Pat beef tips dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Beef:** Using the Instant Pot’s Sauté function, heat olive oil. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:** Add onion to the pot and sauté until softened. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. **Deglaze:** Pour beef broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Return beef to the Instant Pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well.
6. **Pressure Cook:** Secure lid, set valve to sealing. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 35 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. **Thicken Gravy (Optional):** Remove bay leaf. If desired, whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Return Instant Pot to Sauté, and slowly pour in slurry while stirring until thickened.
8. **Serve:** Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.

### Notes:

* For richer flavor, add ½ cup of red wine during deglazing.
* Adjust salt and pepper to taste after cooking.
* For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and use cornstarch for thickening.

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot beef tips with mushroom gravy recipe is a winner! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The beef tips are melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. It’s the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this classic dish in the Instant Pot!