Ingredients:

  • lbs Beef Stew Meat (Chuck, cut into 1-inch tips)
  • tsp Kosher Salt
  • /2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • Tbsp Olive Oil
  • medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • cloves Garlic, minced
  • cups Beef Broth (low sodium preferred)
  • Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • /2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • large Bay Leaf
  • Tbsp Cornstarch
  • Tbsp Cold Water
  • Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prep Beef: Season beef tips generously with salt, pepper, and toss lightly in the 2 tablespoons of flour until just coated.
  2. Sauté Meat: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function (Normal setting). Add butter and oil. Sear the beef in batches until nicely browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot drippings. Cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits (the fond) with a wooden spoon.
  4. Deglaze & Degrease: Pour in about 1/4 cup of the beef broth and use the spoon to vigorously scrape the bottom clean. Hit Cancel.
  5. Combine & Pressure Cook: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Secure the lid and set the vent to Sealing.
  6. Cooking Cycle: Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook (High Pressure) for 25 minutes.
  7. Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow for a 5-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR), then carefully turn the valve to Venting for a Quick Release (QR) of any remaining pressure. Remove the lid. Discard the bay leaf.
  8. Thicken Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth (this is your slurry). Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté (Low setting).
  9. Finish: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
  10. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt/pepper if needed). Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.