Cooking frozen beef tips in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal any night of the week. With just a few simple steps, you can have fork-tender beef tips smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy in under an hour. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to make this simple yet satisfying one-pot meal.
Benefits of Using an Instant Pot
An instant pot is the perfect appliance for cooking frozen beef tips. The pressurized environment allows the meat to cook up quickly and evenly while also helping to break down connective tissues for maximum tenderness.
Compared to traditional braising methods, using an instant pot cuts down drastically on cooking time Frozen beef tips will be fall-apart tender after just 30-60 minutes of cooking. The trapped steam also infuses the meat with moisture, ensuring it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out
Instant pots are very convenient, taking the guesswork out of pressure cooking. Just lock the lid, select your settings and let the pot do the work for you. This hands-off approach gives you time to focus on side dishes or other meal components.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips when cooking frozen beef tips in an instant pot:
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Don’t skip the liquid: The liquid, typically broth, provides important moisture and flavor. Make sure the beef is mostly submerged.
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Use a trivet: Place a trivet or steamer basket in the bottom of the pot so the beef doesn’t sit directly on the bottom. This allows steam to properly circulate.
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Don’t overfill: For even cooking, don’t pack more than 2/3 of the pot’s capacity. Overfilling will hinder the pressure cooking process.
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Natural release: Allow the pressure to come down naturally before opening the lid. This prevents moisture loss. Quick releasing can toughen the meat.
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Adjust cooking time: Add 5-10 minutes to the recipe cooking time since the beef is frozen. Check for doneness and cook longer if needed.
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Sauté vegetables first: For added flavor, sauté aromatics like onions and garlic before pressure cooking. Scrape up any browned bits.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for cooking frozen beef tips in an instant pot:
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Add liquid: Pour 1 1/2 cups beef broth, water, or other cooking liquid into instant pot. More liquid may be needed to submerge beef.
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Insert trivet: Place trivet or steamer basket in bottom of pot. This keeps beef elevated above direct heat.
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Add beef: Place 1-2 pounds frozen beef tips evenly into pot, trying not to overfill.
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Season: Sprinkle beef with salt, pepper, herbs or other seasonings as desired.
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Pressure cook: Secure lid, ensure valve is sealed, and pressure cook on high for 35-45 minutes. Adjust time as needed.
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Natural release: When cooking completes, allow pressure to come down naturally, about 10-15 minutes.
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Check doneness: Beef should be fork tender. If not, secure lid and cook for 5-10 more minutes.
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Remove beef: Use a slotted spoon to transfer beef tips to a serving dish.
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Simmer sauce: Set pot to sauté mode and simmer cooking liquid to reduce and thicken, if desired.
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Serve: Pour sauce over beef tips and serve immediately with mashed potatoes or rice. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
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Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter gravy.
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Sauté onions, carrots, mushrooms or other veggies before pressure cooking.
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Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream after cooking to enrich the gravy.
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For more spice, add diced chipotles in adobo sauce or a teaspoon of chili powder.
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Mix in frozen peas or diced potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Toss the cooked beef tips in barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.
FAQs
How long should I cook frozen beef tips in an instant pot?
Cook frozen beef tips for 35-45 minutes on high pressure. Extend time to 50-60 minutes for very large, meaty pieces. Always check doneness before serving.
Can I quick release after cooking frozen beef tips?
It’s best to allow the pressure to natural release to prevent moisture loss. Quick releasing can cause the meat to toughen up.
My beef tips weren’t tender. What went wrong?
Be sure to use at least 1 cup liquid, allow a natural pressure release, and don’t overload the pot. Cooking for the full recommended time is also essential for tenderness.
Do I need to defrost the beef before cooking?
No defrosting is required! Frozen beef tips can go straight into the instant pot. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I use stew meat instead of beef tips?
Absolutely. Follow the same recipe and adjust cook times as needed. Other cuts like chuck roast also work well.
The Takeaway
Cooking frozen beef tips in an instant pot makes preparing this classic comfort food meal an absolute breeze. In less than an hour, you can have fork-tender beef smothered in savory gravy ready to be spooned over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Step 5: Set and Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Meat/Stew” or “Pressure Cook” setting, depending on your model. Set the cooking time according to the thickness of your frozen stew meat.
Step 6: Natural Release or Quick Release
There are two ways to let the pressure out after the cooking cycle is over: natural release or quick release. For tender and juicy meat, opt for natural release and let the pressure subside naturally. If you need to do a quick release quickly, carefully turn the valve to the venting position.