Enjoy the bold flavors of Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli, a quick and easy takeout-inspired dish made right at home! Tender beef is pressure-cooked in a rich, savory sauce and paired with perfectly cooked broccoli for a delicious, hearty meal.
Jump to RecipeThis one-pot dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It offers a flavorful dinner in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a crowd, this recipe is a must-try!
PRO TIPS for the Best Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Stew beef, flank steak, or sirloin work best for tender results.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add it at the end to retain its bright color and texture.
- Thicken the Sauce Properly: Use cornstarch mixed with a little water to achieve a silky, thick sauce.
- Adjust the Sweetness & Saltiness: Taste and tweak the soy sauce or brown sugar to suit your preferences.
- Let the Pressure Naturally Release: This helps keep the beef tender and flavorful.
Personalizing the Recipe
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and less brown sugar.
- Extra Veggies: Include bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added texture and color.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Ingredients
- Stewed Beef – Provides a rich, hearty base and becomes tender when pressure-cooked.
- Frozen Broccoli – Adds a nutritious, fresh crunch.
- Minced Garlic – Enhances the flavor with aromatic depth.
- Beef Broth – Creates a savory foundation for the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar – Balances flavors with a slight tanginess.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements.
- Corn Starch – Thickens the sauce for a perfect consistency.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Enhances overall flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Provides umami depth and a salty kick.
- Sesame Seeds (garnish) – Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli Recipe
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add to Instant Pot: Place the beef into the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat evenly.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual (high pressure) for 10 minutes.
Natural Release: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before switching to a quick release.
Thicken the Sauce: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the Broccoli: Stir in the frozen broccoli and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Different Methods of Cooking
- Slow Cooker: Cook beef and sauce on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours before adding the cornstarch slurry and broccoli.
- Stovetop: Simmer the beef in the sauce for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender, then add the thickener and broccoli.
Different Methods of Serving
- Over White or Brown Rice: A classic pairing for a complete meal.
- With Noodles: Serve over ramen, udon, or lo mein for an Asian-inspired bowl.
- In a Wrap: Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas.
- With Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes! Add fresh broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
What cut of beef works best? Flank steak, sirloin, or stew meat are ideal choices.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Store in the fridge or freezer and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I make the sauce thicker? Increase the cornstarch slurry amount or let the sauce simmer longer in sauté mode.
Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Stewed Beef
- 4 Cups Frozen Broccoli
- 2 Tbs Minced Garlic
- 1 Cup Beef Broth
- 2 Tbs Rice Vinegar
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 3 Tsp Corn Starch
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce
- Sesame Seeds to garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef to Instant Pot and pour in the sauce.
- Seal lid and cook on manual (high pressure) for 10 minutes.
- Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release.
- Turn on sauté mode. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the pot to thicken sauce.
- Add frozen broccoli and stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.
Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tender beef with flavorful sauce and crisp broccoli. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home, offering a takeout-quality meal without the wait. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a family-friendly dinner in under 30 minutes!
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About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
