This Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli recipe is everything you crave from the classic takeout dish—tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, savory sauce—ready in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker. If you want a crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with bold flavor and offers weeknight comfort without the hassle, you won’t believe how easy and satisfying this is to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Comfort Food: You’ll have restaurant-worthy Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Than Takeout: Skip the mystery ingredients but keep all the bold, rich flavors you crave, with easy swaps for low-carb, paleo, or keto lifestyles.
- Tender Beef Every Time: The Instant Pot delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef that soaks up that irresistible savory sauce.
- Family Friendly & Flexible: From picky eaters to adventurous spice lovers, everyone can dig in, and you can adjust ingredients to match your needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward this savory Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli recipe is! Every ingredient is chosen to add a punch of flavor, a touch of crunch, or that signature glossy sauce, so don’t skip the details—each one plays its part!
- Boneless beef chuck roast or flank steak: Thinly sliced across the grain for maximum tenderness—these cuts soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Just the basics, but they elevate the flavor of the beef right from the start.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic depth that instantly evokes classic Chinese-inspired dishes.
- Broccoli florets: Crisp and vibrant, they hold up perfectly and add that essential green crunch.
- Xanthan gum or arrowroot starch: Your sauce-thickener of choice, for that delightful, glossy finish (feel free to skip, but the sauce won’t cling as much).
- Cold water: Whisked with your thickener to create the perfect slurry for a smooth, silky sauce.
- Garlic & ginger: Minced fresh for authentic aromatics—skip the pre-chopped jars if you can for the brightest flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): The umami-packed backbone of your sauce, with easy swaps for gluten-free, paleo, or keto needs.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and a gentle savor to the sauce, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying.
- Erythritol, monk fruit, or brown sugar: A touch of sweetness brings balance; choose your favorite for dietary preference or taste.
- Red pepper chili flakes or Sriracha (optional): For those who want a subtle kick—don’t be shy if you like a little heat!
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Helps achieve that beautiful sear on your beef to lock in juices.
Variations
One of the best things about Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli is how easy it is to tweak the recipe based on what you have in your fridge, your health goals, or even just your mood. Here are some fun twists to make it completely your own!
- Swap the Beef: Try thin-sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter, white-meat spin—just adjust the cook time to avoid overcooking.
- Pile on Veggies: Stir in extra vegetables like snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or red bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a squirt of Sriracha or extra chili flakes to the sauce for some real fire!
- Keto-Friendly: Stick with low-carb sweeteners and serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a meal that’s as healthy as it is comforting.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced beef with salt, pepper, and a dash of sesame oil. Set your Instant Pot to SAUTE, add olive oil, and once it’s shimmering hot, brown the beef in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot, and only cook long enough to sear. This first step delivers that irresistible texture and flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Sauce
While the beef browns, whisk together all ingredients for the sauce: soy sauce (or coconut aminos), beef broth, sweetener, garlic, ginger, an extra dash of sesame oil, and any chili flakes or Sriracha if you’re adding heat. Pour this savory mixture right over the seared beef in the Instant Pot—don’t forget to scrape up those tasty brown bits on the bottom!
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef
Secure the lid, set the valve to SEAL, press MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOK) on HIGH for 4 minutes, and let the Instant Pot do its magic. Meanwhile, steam your broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop until just tender, so it’s ready to stir in at the end.
Step 4: Release, Thicken, and Finish
Once it beeps, quick-release the pressure and carefully remove the lid. To thicken the sauce, stir xanthan gum or arrowroot with a splash of cold water, then whisk this slurry into the beef and sauce. Switch the pot to SAUTE, then add in your steamed broccoli—let everything bubble until the sauce coats the beef and veggies and is perfectly glossy. Taste, adjust your seasoning, and you’re ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli
- Slice Against the Grain: For ultra-tender, restaurant-style beef, make sure you cut your meat thinly across the grain, not with it—it makes a huge difference in texture.
- Broccoli Texture Hack: Steam your broccoli separately for bright color and perfect bite, then stir it in at the end—it won’t get mushy!
- Sear in Batches: Don’t crowd the pot when browning your beef. Searing in small batches guarantees caramelization instead of steaming.
- Customize the Heat: Add the chili flakes or Sriracha at the end if you’re serving spice-lovers and milder palates—so everyone gets their perfect plate.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a few sliced scallions, or even a dusting of fresh cilantro right before serving to instantly elevate both flavor and visual appeal. These simple finishing touches give your Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli restaurant-style flair—Instagram-worthy and absolutely delicious!
Side Dishes
This dish is begging for a cozy side! Classic white or brown rice is always a win, but cauliflower rice or chewy stir-fried noodles are amazing for low-carb options. A crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or lightly dressed slaw would turn it into a gorgeous full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Pile your Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist, or spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a fusion-style feast. It’s also beautiful set family-style with the sauce spooned over the brightly colored beef and broccoli for everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer cooled Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making lunch tomorrow even more exciting!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully: Portion cooled beef and broccoli (with sauce) into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and store flat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for quick-fix dinners or meal prep wins.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. The microwave also works in a pinch—cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. No need to thaw first—just steam until heated through, then add to your finished Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli as you would with fresh. It may be a little softer, but still delicious.
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What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Flank steak and chuck roast are both excellent choices for Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli. Both become incredibly tender under pressure, but if you prefer leaner meat, flank steak is your best bet. Always slice across the grain for tender results!
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Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?
Yes! You can make it in a slow cooker or even on the stovetop. For the slow cooker, simply follow the main steps and cook on HIGH for 45 minutes–2 hours or LOW for 1.5–3 hours. On the stovetop, simmer gently until the beef is just tender and the sauce is thickened.
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Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli is perfect for doubling (perfect for hungry families or meal prep). Just make sure not to exceed the pot’s fill line, and brown the beef in batches for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort and bold flavor without giving up your evening, do yourself a favor and try this Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli. Your kitchen will smell incredible, your family will be racing to the table, and you’ll have a new favorite in your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking!
PrintInstant Pot Beef And Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (Instant Pot) or 2 hours (Slow Cooker)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender slices of beef are cooked with broccoli in a savory sauce, creating a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Broccoli:
- 3 1/2 cups broccoli florets
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo or keto)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper chili flake or Sriracha (optional)
For Thickening:
- 1 tsp xantham gum OR arrowroot starch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- For the Instant Pot Version: Season beef with salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Sear beef in Instant Pot. Whisk sauce ingredients and pour over beef. Pressure cook for 4 minutes. Microwave broccoli until tender. Release pressure, thicken sauce, add broccoli, and cook until hot. Adjust seasonings and serve with sides.
- For the Slow Cooker Version: Season beef and combine with sauce ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 45 minutes – 2 hours or LOW for 1.5 – 3 hours. Microwave broccoli until tender. Thicken sauce, add broccoli, and cook until tender. Adjust seasonings and serve with sides.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or Sriracha.
- For a thicker sauce, use xantham gum or arrowroot starch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg