Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

There is nothing quite like a warm, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and satisfies both your savory cravings and your need for comfort. The Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—infused with rich, umami-packed sauces and tender, perfectly cooked beef paired with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a fast and fantastic way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite, right from the comfort of your own kitchen, without the wait or the extra calories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to make this dish shine. Each element plays an essential part whether it’s building the sauce’s deep flavor, giving the beef its tender bite, or brightening the whole plate with fresh broccoli.

• Beef chuck roast: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender strips after cooking under pressure.
• Olive oil: Used for browning the beef and adding a subtle, healthy fat that enhances flavor.
• Pepper: Freshly ground pepper seasons the beef and adds gentle spice.
• Soy sauce: Provides the salty backbone and umami depth characteristic of beef and broccoli dishes.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a savory, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of caramel sweetness.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to bring that signature nutty aroma and flavor.
• Ginger: Offers warmth and a touch of zing to brighten the rich sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: Introduce a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic: Minced cloves bring classic pungency and aroma that’s essential.
• Beef broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor throughout the cooking.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
• Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh and bright, they provide color, nutrition, and crunchy contrast.
• Optional garnishes: Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds brighten and add textural interest.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with freshly cracked pepper. Then slice it thinly, cutting against the grain to guarantee tenderness when finished. This step sets the stage for melt-in-your-mouth bites in every forkful.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat up the olive oil until shimmering. Add the beef in manageable batches—crowding will steam instead of sear it—and let each piece get beautifully browned on all sides, creating savory caramelized flavors that are critical for a rich final dish.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

While the beef is getting that delicious crust, whip up the sauce. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic in a bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the blend is harmonious. This combo is your flavor powerhouse.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Once the beef is browned, pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those irresistible brown bits stuck to the bottom. This technique, called deglazing, infuses the broth with tons of meaty goodness you don’t want to miss.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Turn Off Sauté

Pour your prepared sauce into the pot and stir everything together. Then switch off the sauté mode to prepare for pressure cooking.

Step 6: Pressure Cook the Beef

Seal your Instant Pot lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes. After the cooking time is up, carefully use the quick pressure release to let out the steam. This process transforms the beef into tender perfection in a fraction of the time traditional methods require.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry, then stir it back into the pot mixture. Turning back on the sauté mode, bring the sauce to a boil. This thickens it to the perfect glossy consistency that clings lovingly to each beef strip and broccoli floret.

Step 8: Add and Cook Broccoli

Add bite-sized broccoli florets to the pot, stirring them in to coat with the sauce. Put the lid back on and let it cook at a gentle boil for 3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Let the pot sit for an additional 5 minutes to let the broccoli reach just the right balance between tender and crisp. It’s the perfect texture contrast the dish needs.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle over freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that final touch of freshness and crunch. Your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is now ready to bring joy to your table!

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate simple garnishes—they elevate the whole experience. Fresh chopped green onions add a bright, mild onion flavor while toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty, aromatic crunch. These finishing touches make your dish not only tastier but also visually inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice, soaking up that luscious sauce. For added texture and flavor, consider serving alongside some fried rice or even crispy egg rolls if you’re feeling indulgent. The versatility lets your meal feel both wholesome and special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun weeknight twist, try serving the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pile it into lettuce wraps for handheld bites or spoon it over warm noodles for a heartier meal. Presentation is a chance to get creative and tailor the dish to your mood and guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a later date, you can freeze the beef and broccoli in portion-sized containers. Keep in mind the broccoli texture might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors stay rich and satisfying when reheated. Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal quality.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This approach ensures every bite tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for tenderness under pressure, you can use sirloin or flank steak cut into thin strips. Just adjust cooking times slightly if the beef is leaner so it doesn’t dry out.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. This keeps all the rich flavors intact while accommodating your dietary needs.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. Add it at the last step and cook just until heated through to avoid mushiness.

How spicy is the Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

The heat level is mild thanks to just a small amount of red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your preference for a little extra kick or a more mellow flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

You can double or even triple the ingredients, but make sure not to exceed your Instant Pot’s max fill line. Also, the cooking time stays the same since the pressure cooker does the work evenly regardless of volume.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as diving into a bowl of tender, flavorful beef and vibrant broccoli, all simmered to perfection in your Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is proof that easy weeknight dinners can also be incredibly tasty and impressive. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your family’s dinner rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print