Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

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Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli tastes just like your favorite restaurant classic. The recipe comes together quickly and easily, so you can indulge your craving whenever the mood strikes.

I love a good take-out-at-home recipe and after the success with my Instant Pot Orange Chicken recipe, I decided to try my hand at another. I am happy to report that this Instant Pot beef and broccoli recipe is everything it should be and more!

Tender flanks steak is perfectly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The broccoli florets are tender but not mushy and the sauce is loaded with umami goodness.

The best part about making your favorite restaurant meals at home is that you know exactly what is in it. No preservatives or additives, and you can easily tailor to your dietary preferences.

IAnd even better, this Instant Pot Broccoli Beef recipe gives you aaaalllll the restaurant flavor you crave, with a minimal amount of effort.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s Quick and Easy – Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time, allowing you to have a delicious meal ready in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.
• Super Tender Beef – The pressure cooking method of the Instant Pot helps to tenderize the beef, resulting in succulent and flavorful meat.
• It’s a Healthy Option – Beef and broccoli is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also gluten free.

Want to simplify meal planning even more? Instantly download my Instant Pot Dump & Dash Recipe Book.

Ingredient Notes

• Vegetable Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral flavored oil.
• Flank Steak – Sliced thinly across the grain, this lean cut of beef becomes tender when pressure cooked in the Instant Pot.
• Water – The instant pot requires a small amount of liquid to work correctly.
• Frozen Broccoli – Fozen broccoli adds vibrant color, texture, and nutrients to the dish. You can also use fresh broccoli.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Ginger – Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the sauce. You can use powdered ginger but it may not be as flavorful.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of heat and flavor to the sauce. Adjust the amount to taste or eliminate if desired.
• Tamari Sauce – A gluten-free and low-sodium alternative to soy sauce, providing savory umami flavor. Use regular soy sauce if gluten isn’t a concern.
• Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar – Provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to balance the other sauce ingredients. Use apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.
• Onion Powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use water or beef broth.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the savory and tangy flavors in the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferences.
• Cornstarch – Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Green Onions – Adds freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.
• Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture as a garnish.

So, are you ready to learn just how easy and quick it is to make this healthier Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli dish? Gather up your ingredients and I will show you…..

How To Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Having the right tools can make instant pot cooking even easier. Get my recommendations in the instant pot accessories guide.

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients to make the sauce and set it aside. 
2. Select the sauté mode on your Instant Pot and wait for it to read HOT.
3. Next, add oil to the Instant Pot insert. Once the oil is heated, place the beef strips in the bottom of the insert a single layer. (You will have to cook in batches).
4. Let the beef sear for 2 minutes and then turn it over to sear the other side for 2 minutes or until the beef is golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.
5. Add ¼ cup water to the Instant Pot insert, and use your wooden spoon to deglaze the pot.
6. Place the beef back in the Instant Pot, then add in the sauce mixture and stir to combine it all.
7. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position and set to manual pressure/high pressure for 10 mins.
8. When done, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release, then perform a quick pressure release. Remove the beef and set aside on a plate.

To Make the Cornstarch Slurry:

1. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until combined and there are no lumps.
2. Press sauté on your Instant Pot, add the slurry to the pot and stir to combine. Cook the slurry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
3. Stir in the broccoli and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the Instant Pot, add the beef back in and store to combine.
4. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

No Instant Pot? No worries! Making delicious beef and broccoli using your slow cooker is easy:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. 
2. Then place the beef in the slow cooker and cover with the sauce mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 20-30 minutes before done, add in the frozen broccoli and stir to combine. Do not add any earlier, or broccoli will get too mushy.

Tips For Success

• Make sure to cook the beef in batches. You don’t want some beef to be overcooked and some be undercooked. Take the few extra minutes to cook in batches.
• To keep this recipe gluten free, use a gluten-free tamari sauce. And making sure the tamari is also low sodium to keep the dish from being too salty.
• Cornstarch is an important ingredient in getting the sauce to thicken up properly.
• Make sure to wait until the end to add the broccoli and only cook for 1-2 minutes so you don’t end up with overcooked mushy broccoli.
• This recipe calls for frozen broccoli, but if you want to use fresh broccoli instead you can. I recommend steaming the broccoli slightly before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.
• Note that cooking time listed does not include time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to release.

Delicious Variations

• Swap the beef. Feel free to swap the beef for chicken or pork if you prefer.
• Make it vegan. You can even make a vegan version using cubed tofu, tempeh, or Seitan.
• Adjust the sweetness. If you want a sweeter taste to this dish, you can increase the amount of brown sugar from ¼ cup to ½ cup.
• Make it spicy. Add sriracha, red curry sauce, or extra crushed red peppers to make this dish spicier.
• Add more veggies. Toss in additional vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans.

Prep and Storage

• Prep – Marinate the meat if desired. Allow time for the broccoli to thaw before adding to the Instant Pot.
• Store – Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – If you want to freeze for longer storage, portion it into individual servings or family-sized portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat – To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it thickens when refrigerated.

FAQs

Serve With:

• A side of of Easy Instant Pot White Rice, or Instant Pot Brown Rice is the perfect accomaniment.
• This Cauliflower Rice is a great low carb and grain free option!
• You can also serve with a scoop of Instant Pot Quinoa.

Recommended Tools:

• An awesome Instant Pot is a must!
• An instant-read digital thermometer to check food for doneness.
• Handy storage containers to keep leftovers fresh.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Instant Pot Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my Broccoli Beef Instant Pot recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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