Perfect Instant Pot Beef Tips: Cooking Time & Easy Guide

Cooking beef tips in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to get a hearty meal on the table fast. If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook beef tips in your Instant Pot for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making delicious beef tips, from cooking times to helpful tips and serving suggestions.

Why Choose the Instant Pot for Beef Tips?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks. With its pressure cooking feature, you can turn tough cuts of beef into tender, flavorful bites in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. No more hours of simmering or waiting—just quick, reliable results every time!

What Are Beef Tips?

Beef tips typically refer to small chunks or cubes of beef, often cut from sirloin, tenderloin, or even chuck roast. They’re perfect for stews, stir-fries, or served over rice and mashed potatoes. Because these cuts can sometimes be a bit tough, pressure cooking them is ideal for achieving that fork-tender finish.

How Long Should You Cook Beef Tips in the Instant Pot?

The magic number for cooking beef tips in the Instant Pot is generally 20-25 minutes at high pressure. This cooking time is perfect for most cuts, including sirloin and chuck. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Sirloin or tenderloin tips: 20 minutes at high pressure
• Chuck roast tips: 22-25 minutes at high pressure

Don’t forget to factor in a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes after the cooking cycle ends. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Beef Tips in the Instant Pot

1. Prep Your Ingredients:
   • 1-2 pounds of beef tips (sirloin, chuck, or stew meat)
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
   • 1 onion, diced
   • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 cup beef broth
   • Optional: mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or your favorite veggies
   • Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary
2. Sauté the Beef:
   
   Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add oil and brown the beef tips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Season with salt and pepper as you go. Remove the beef once browned.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
   
   Add onions and garlic (and any other veggies) to the pot. Sauté until softened.
4. Deglaze:
   
   Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this adds flavor and prevents burning.
5. Add Everything Back:
   
   Return the beef to the pot along with any remaining broth and herbs.
6. Pressure Cook:
   
   Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 20-25 minutes (depending on your cut).
7. Natural Release:
   
   When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   
   If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the pot on “Sauté” mode until thickened.

Tasty Tips for Perfect Beef Tips

• Sear for Flavor: Browning your beef first locks in flavor and gives a richer taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Sear meat in batches so it browns instead of steams.
• Add Veggies Later: For softer veggies, add them at the start. For crisper veggies, add after cooking and let them sit on “Keep Warm.”
• Tweak Seasonings: Taste your sauce at the end and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Use Enough Liquid: Always use at least 1 cup of liquid to avoid burning and help build pressure.

Serving Suggestions

Beef tips are super versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Over mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food meal
• Spoon over rice or egg noodles
• Alongside steamed veggies
• Topped with fresh parsley or chives

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Beef tips freeze well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep things saucy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Tough Meat? Make sure you cooked long enough and allowed a natural pressure release. Chuck roast especially needs that extra time to break down.
• Sauce Too Thin? Use the cornstarch slurry trick or simmer on “Sauté” until it thickens up.
• Bland Flavor? Adjust seasoning at the end—sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen beef tips?

Absolutely! Just add an extra 5-7 minutes to your pressure cooking time. You won’t be able to sear frozen meat, but it’ll still turn out tasty and tender.

What’s the best cut for beef tips?

Sirloin is lean and tender, while chuck roast is more flavorful but needs a little longer to cook. Stew meat also works well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You sure can—just use gluten-free broth and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.

How do I make it spicy?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding your seasonings.

Can I double this recipe?

You can easily double it as long as you don’t fill your Instant Pot past the max fill line. Cooking time stays the same!

The Bottom Line

The Instant Pot makes preparing beef tips simple and quick while delivering mouthwatering results every time. Remember: cook for about 20-25 minutes on high pressure (plus natural release), use enough liquid, and don’t forget those flavor-boosting steps like searing and seasoning. Whether you’re serving over mashed potatoes or rice, you’ll have a comforting meal everyone will love!