In a small bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly mixed. This seasoned flour will be key to creating a delicious crust on the beef.
Prepare the 3 pounds lean chuck roast by cutting it into small bite-sized pieces. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This process not only adds flavor but also helps thicken the gravy later on.
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, drop in several pieces of the floured beef. Brown the beef on all sides until they have a nice golden crust. It’s important to work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
After browning all the beef, return it to the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup chopped onions, 2 teaspoons Gravy Master, and 48 ounces beef stock. Stir everything together to combine.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This will make the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure with either a quick release or natural release. Either method works, but a natural release will give the beef extra time to soak in the flavors.
If you prefer cooking in a slow cooker, you can brown the beef in a skillet and then transfer it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method will also yield fantastic results.
If the gravy hasn't thickened to your liking, you can create a quick thickener by mixing 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon flour. Stir this mixture into the gravy, and watch it transform.
Prepare your noodles or rice according to the package instructions while the beef is cooking. This will ensure they’re ready when the beef and gravy are done.
Finally, serve the Tender Beef Tips and Gravy over a generous helping of noodles or rice. Enjoy every savory bite!