Are you craving a tender, flavorful beef dish but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot Beef Tips recipe delivers juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious meal without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to impress your family with this easy recipe for homemade cooking, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 2 tbsp cold water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and once hot, sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor significantly. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This process, known as deglazing, adds depth of flavor to your dish. Stir in the beef broth, flour, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Combine and Pressure Cook
Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot and whisk it into the cornstarch slurry. Pour the mixture back into the Instant Pot and stir well. Cook on the "Sauté" function for a few minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your delicious Instant Pot Beef Tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra tender beef, use a cut specifically designed for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or stew meat.
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot when searing the beef. Work in batches to ensure proper browning.
- If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of beef broth or even chicken broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Variations:
- Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms along with the onions.
- Garlic Herb Beef Tips: Increase the garlic to 4 cloves and add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
- Spicy Beef Tips: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient quantities. However, you can expect this dish to be a good source of protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy meal option.
This recipe provides a delicious and efficient way to prepare a hearty beef dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights and offers a great balance of flavor and ease. Enjoy!