Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli sounds like a weekend takeout order, but the Instant Pot makes it a weeknight reality.
You’ll get tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and that glossy, soy-based sauce we all know and crave—all cooked fast and in one pot.

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This is the kind of recipe that wins on both ends: It feels like comfort food, but you still get a solid dose of protein and vegetables.
Everything happens in layers: first, the beef pressure cooks in a simple marinade. Then, the broccoli steams in just a few minutes, so it stays bright and never mushy.

The result is better-than-takeout flavor made right at home. Way faster, way cheaper, and way easier to clean up.

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Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Staple

This meal is quick, tasty, and totally flexible. It comes together fast without skipping any of that deep, rich flavor you expect from a classic stir-fry-style dish.

• Quick pressure time – Just 10 minutes under pressure plus a quick broccoli steam
• Saucy and satisfying – The beef soaks up flavor as it cooks
• One-pot magic – No stovetop juggling or extra pans
• Meal prep–friendly – Great for leftovers or lunch the next day
• Balanced and filling – Protein, veggies, and sauce in one bowl

It’s one of those go-to dinners you can pull off even when you’re wiped out.

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What You’ll Need for Beef and Broccoli

You don’t need fancy cuts or hard-to-find sauces. Most of the flavor comes from everyday pantry ingredients—and a smart layering of when to add each part.

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• Flank Steak or Sirloin – Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness
• Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar – Makes up the salty-sweet base of the sauce
• Beef Broth – Adds depth and helps cook the meat evenly
• Garlic & Ginger – Fresh if possible, for real punch
• Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce at the end
• Broccoli Florets – Steamed separately to keep them crisp
• Sesame Oil & Sesame Seeds – Optional, but adds toasty flavor and finish

Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

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How to Make It in the Instant Pot

Cooking beef and broccoli in the Instant Pot is all about timing. You want the beef ultra tender, the broccoli vibrant, and the sauce thick and glossy.

• Slice and marinate the beef – Toss the steak with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. Let it sit while you prep the rest.
• Pressure cook the beef – Add beef and broth to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then quick release.
• Thicken the sauce – Turn on sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it bubble for a few minutes until thick.
• Steam the broccoli – While the sauce thickens, microwave or steam broccoli florets until just tender (2–3 minutes).
• Combine and serve – Stir the broccoli into the beef and sauce. Serve hot over rice, topped with sesame seeds if you like.

The sauce will coat everything without feeling heavy, and the beef will practically melt.

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What to Serve With Beef and Broccoli

This dish already hits most of the marks on its own, but if you want a little more on the side, go with something that soaks up the sauce or adds freshness.

Side Dish	Why It Works
Steamed White Rice	Classic pairing to soak up all that savory sauce
Brown Rice or Quinoa	Adds fiber and earthiness without overpowering flavor
Fried Rice	Another layer of texture and flavor
Cucumber Salad	Cool and crunchy contrast to the warm beef
Steamed Dumplings	Great for making it feel like a takeout spread
Stir-Fried Noodles	Turns it into a lo mein–style meal
Garlic Bok Choy	Adds more green without clashing flavors

Start with rice and add whatever feels good alongside it.

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How to Store and Reheat It

Beef and broccoli keeps well and actually tastes richer the next day, as the sauce continues to soak in.

Storing Tips

Let everything cool completely before storing. Use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between
• Stovetop: Simmer gently in a covered pan until heated through
• Instant Pot (Sauté mode): Works well for large portions—just stir regularly

Freezing Notes

You can freeze the beef and sauce, but leave the broccoli out—it tends to get mushy. Add fresh broccoli when reheating.

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Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but steam it separately and stir it in after. Pressure cooking frozen broccoli with the beef will make it too soft.

What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak is ideal, but sirloin, skirt steak, or even chuck (thinly sliced) will work. Just slice against the grain.

Can I skip the sugar?

You can reduce it or use honey instead, but keep a little in the sauce—it balances the salt and adds gloss.

What if the sauce is too thin?

Let it simmer longer on sauté, or add more cornstarch slurry a little at a time until it thickens.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as it fits under the max fill line. You may need to extend the sauté time slightly to thicken the sauce at the end.