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    Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

    30-Minute Meals Allergy Friendly Recipes Beef Recipes Dairy-Free Recipes Gluten Free Instant Pot Instant Pot Beef Recipes Kid Friendly Main Courses Real Food January 7, 2021 | By Kristen Chidsey | 15 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Made with a savory sauce and an inexpensive cut of beef, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is an easy, delicious family meal that is ready in just over 30 minutes! Instead of ordering take-out, this recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli will hit the spot! By making at home, you can save yourself money, calories, and control the quality of ingredients--in less time than it takes to have take-out delivered!

    Made with a savory sauce and an inexpensive cut of beef, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is an easy, delicious family meal that is ready in just over 30 minutes!

    Instead of ordering take-out, this recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli will hit the spot! By making at home, you can save yourself money, calories, and control the quality of ingredients--in less time than it takes to have take-out delivered!

    Beef and Broccoli in white dish next to instant pot

    What is Beef and Broccoli?

    Beef and Broccoli is a popular Chinese-American dish that is made with tender flank steak, fresh broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet brown sauce.

    Many people wonder what the difference is between Beef and Broccoli and Mongolian Beef. The sauce for Mongolian Beef is a bit sweeter and it traditionally is not served with broccoli. If you are craving Mongolian Beef, be sure to try out my recipe for Instant Pot Mongolian Beef.

    Pressure Cooking versus Stove-Top Cooking

    Beef and Broccoli can be prepared quickly on the stove-top, but there are a few reasons I prefer using my Instant Pot.

    • There is less hands-on time when preparing this dish in the instant pot than when preparing on the stove-top. Instead of constant monitoring, I can set the cook time after minimal-prep and not have to attend to dinner.
    • The Instant Pot works wonders at tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, which means I can use a less expensive cut of beef. And who doesn't love saving money without sacrificing taste?
    • The dish tastes better. In my family's opinion, the sauce develops a richer flavor when prepared in the Instant Pot.
    • There is slightly more sauce when prepared in the Instant Pot as well, which is great to dish over steamed rice when serving.

    Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli labeled on white counter.

    • Beef: The advantage of preparing this dish in the Instant Pot, is that you can use a less expensive cut of beef. I typically opt for a sirloin steak cut into 1-inch strips, but a package of beef stir-fry strips or even a chuck roast cut into thin strips. If you opt for flank steak, which is more traditional for Beef and Broccoli, I would decrease the cooking time to 3 minutes, as flank steak does not need as long of cook time.
    • Soy Sauce: Be sure to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the sodium of the entire dish. For a gluten-free dish, use Tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.
    • Ginger root: It is essential to use freshly grated ginger root. Do not use dried ginger as the flavor is not the same. My favorite tip for storing ginger root is to peel and pop into a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Grate from frozen when needed. 

    Step-By-Step Directions

    Step One: Saute

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add in a tiny bit of oil and allow it to heat.
    • Add in beef and onions and saute for just a couple of minutes. You do not need to fully brown the meat, just begin to soften the onions.
    • Turn the Instant Pot OFF when searing is complete.

    Seared beef and onions in inner pot.

    Step Two: Deglaze

    • Add in the beef stock and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot. That is always an important step after sauteeing anything, as it helps prevent a burn notice.

    Step Three: Pressure Cook

    • To the inner pot, add in the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar.
    • Place the lids on the pressure cooker and be sure the vent knob is sealed.
    • Set to cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.

    Pressure Cooker with beef anb roccoli ingredients before pressure cooked.

    Step Four: Thicken

    • Once the cook time has elapsed, let pressure release for 10 minutes. This will help keep the beef tender.
    • While pressure is releasing, steam fresh or frozen broccoli in the microwave.
    • Once pressure is released, open the lid and turn back to saute.
    • Mix together the water and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved and add whisk into the inner pot.
    • Let cook for 2-3 minutes while the sauce thickens.
    • Once the sauce is thickened, add in the broccoli and toss to coat.
    • Serve over rice.

    Side by side pictures of cooked instnat pot beef and adding broccoli.

    Recipe Tips and FAQs

    Do you have to saute the beef?

    While it does add a bit of texture and flavor, it is NOT necessary to saute the onions and beef before pressure cooking. Save yourself a few minutes of hands-on time and skip that step. I do recommend increasing the cook time to 12 minutes if not sauteeing the beef first.

    What's the best way to add broccoli?

    You can opt to add fresh broccoli florets to the dish while the sauce is bubbling and thickening. The broccoli will only SLIGHTLY cook using this method. Alternatively, you can steam fresh or frozen broccoli before adding to the sauce. Personally, I prefer to slightly steam fresh broccoli florets and then add them directly to my sauce so that they are tender, but not mushy.

    How long do leftovers keep?

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    More Instant Pot Fast Favorites

    • Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken--Picky eaters LOVE this simple sweet and sour chicken. It is easy to make and another restaurant copy-cat.
    • Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff--This recipe is pure comfort food, made from scratch and FAST!
    • Instant Pot Mexican Lasagna--Made with layers of beef, beans, and cheese, this Tex Mex Lasagna is out of this world!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans--A handful of ingredients and only a few minutes of cook time, this dinner is ready in just over 15 minutes!

    Be sure to give this recipe a try the next time you are craving Beef and Broccoli and leave a review as well! I love to hear from you!

    Beef and Broccoli in white bowl topped with sesaame seeds

    Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

    This recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a fast, flavorful copycat version of the classic Chinese-American dish.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Chinese
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Pressure Build-Up and Release: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 239kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • ½ tablespoon canola oil
    • 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak cut into 1-strips
    • ½ onion diced
    • ¾ cup beef stock low sodium
    • â…“ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • ½ tablespoon grated ginger root
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 4 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • toasted sesame seeds optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to Saute. Add the oil and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beef and the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes, just to slightly brown the beef and soften the onions.
    • Turn the Instant Pot off. Add in the beef stock and scape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
    • To the inner pot, add in the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar.
    • Place the lid on the instant pot and be sure the vent knob is closed. Set to cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
    • Once the cook time has elapsed, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. During that time, steam the broccoli by placing the florets into a heat safe bowl with ¼ cup of water and microwave for 3 minutes.
    • Once pressure has been released, remove the lid from the inner pot. Turn the Instant Pot back to Saute and let the liquid bubble. Whisk together the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Add cornstarch mixture to inner pot and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
    • Add the steamed brococli and mix into the sauce. Serve over rice and top with sesame seeds if desired.

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    For the beef, use either sirloin steak, chuck roast,  or stir-fry beef strips.
    If you opt for flank steak, decrease the cooking time to 3 minutes, as flank steak does not need as long of cook time.
    Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. 
    Feel free to increase/decrease the red pepper flakes and brown sugar, based on personal preference for heat and sweetness. 
    It is essential to use freshly grated ginger root. Do not use dried ginger as the flavor is not the same. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 619mg | Potassium: 682mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 378IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
    Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Judy Hazel

      November 13, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious! So easy to make in the Instant Pot. It's a complete meal...only added rice. We have a family member who's diet is gluten-free so this main dish is perfect for her. I served it with brown rice and green salad. You've earned 5 stars from this family Kristen:)

      Reply
    2. Ned Koe

      June 21, 2021 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      Yummy! Me being Asian, I felt like it needed more Asian flavors, so I added 1 ts Chinese five spice, 1/4 ts sesame oil, and 1/2 TB oyster sauce. Tasted just like the way my mother makes hers! Thank you for a great base recipe. I especially liked that I could use a cheaper cut of beef! I'm going to try more of your recipes :D.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 21, 2021 at 10:28 am

        Thank you so much for sharing your additions Ned! Sounds delicious!

        Reply
    3. Mary Beauregard

      January 28, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome! Very flavorful. Keeper recipe! I would add more broccoli and maybe some carrots and water chestnuts next time.

      Reply
    4. Lynda Brown

      January 24, 2021 at 10:17 am

      We had this last night and it was a big hit! Really good flavor and super easy to make. Kids enjoyed it too. This could be a week night regular. Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Kareen

      January 23, 2021 at 1:34 pm

      I don’t eat beef but this recipe looks so yummy that I want to try! Think it is possible to make with chicken breasts?

      Reply
    6. Erika

      January 13, 2021 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      Made this last night and, as usual, you have delivered an awesome recipe! I can always count on you to provide well tested and written recipes and recommend all instant pot newbies use you as a source.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 14, 2021 at 6:52 am

        Awe, thanks Erika for the high praises. So glad you enjoyed another recipe.

        Reply
    7. Beth

      January 13, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious and easy for dinner! I can't wait to make this for dinner!

      Reply
      • K8

        April 03, 2023 at 7:38 pm

        5 stars
        This was very good and quick and easy!
        I used a lite soy sauce and might try coconut aminos next time to lower the sodium more. Other than that this is a great meal, thank you!

        Reply
        • Kristen Chidsey

          April 04, 2023 at 8:18 am

          Wonderful! Happy to hear you enjoyed!

          Reply
    8. Katie

      January 13, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and so yummy!

      Reply
    9. Sara Welch

      January 13, 2021 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Gave this a try for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! So easy and flavorful; my new favorite Instant Pot recipe, indeed!

      Reply
    10. wilhelmina

      January 13, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner last night and it was amazing! We love all of your Asian pressure cooker recipes, they are even better than takeout!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 13, 2021 at 3:32 pm

        I am so happy to hear that you considered this another winner!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Made with a savory sauce and an inexpensive cut of beef, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is an easy, delicious family meal that is ready in just over 30 minutes! Instead of ordering take-out, this recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli will hit the spot! By making at home, you can save yourself money, calories, and control the quality of ingredients--in less time than it takes to have take-out delivered!

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Made with a savory sauce and an inexpensive cut of beef, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is an easy, delicious family meal that is ready in just over 30 minutes! Instead of ordering take-out, this recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli will hit the spot! By making at home, you can save yourself money, calories, and control the quality of ingredients--in less time than it takes to have take-out delivered!

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