Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe: Pure Comfort in Minutes

Whipping up a hearty beef stew in an Instant Pot creates a mouthwatering meal that will warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Savory aromas quickly fill the kitchen as tender chunks of meat simmer with robust vegetables.

Pressure cooking transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites packed with rich, deep flavors.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine under high pressure, developing incredible depth and complexity.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this foolproof recipe that impresses everyone around the table.

Comfort and convenience merge seamlessly in this one-Pot wonder that promises to become a weekly favorite.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that will make dinner feel like a special occasion.

FAQs

• Why use an Instant Pot for beef stew?

Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time from hours to just 35 minutes while keeping meat tender and infusing deep flavors quickly compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods.

• Can I skip the red wine in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute red wine with additional beef broth or beef stock. The wine adds depth but isn’t mandatory for a delicious stew.

• How do I know the beef is properly browned?

Beef should have a deep golden-brown color and develop a nice crust when sautéing. This caramelization creates rich, complex flavors in the final dish.

Why Instant Pot Beef Stew Is So Convenient

• Speed Up Comfort Cooking: Instant Pot transforms traditional beef stew into a quick, hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Unlock Rich Flavor Depths: Browning beef and deglazing with red wine creates intense, complex taste layers that make this stew irresistibly delicious.
• Master One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, reducing cleanup and streamlining the entire cooking process for busy home chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal: Packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and savory seasonings, this stew satisfies all ages and appetites with its classic, comforting profile.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the stew.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients build a deep, savory base for the stew.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a subtle tangy sweetness to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, umami flavor profile.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the stew with traditional, earthy undertones.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and sauteing vegetables.
• Red Wine (Optional): Adds rich, complex flavor to the stew.
• Beef Broth: Provides a robust liquid base for cooking.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a smooth, thick consistency for the stew.

• Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty vegetables that add nutrition and texture to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor of the stew.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Brown the beef in batches using olive oil in the Instant Pot’s saute mode. This step creates delicious caramelized edges that boost the stew’s rich flavor.

Work in small groups to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Saute until the vegetables become soft and translucent.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for a quick minute to deepen the taste profile.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in red wine to lift all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Stew Ingredients

Return the seared beef to the pot.

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaf
• Carrots
• Potatoes

Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.

This method ensures tender meat and deeply melded flavors.

Step 6: Release the Pressure

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

Remove the bay leaf.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew

Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Stir into the stew while on saute mode. Cook until the liquid reaches a desired thickness.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, rich stew.

Tips for Instant Pot Beef Stew Success

• Brown beef in batches for deeper flavor and better browning without overcrowding the pot.
• Use full-bodied red wine like cabernet or merlot to enhance the stew's rich taste and depth.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing wheat-based cornstarch with arrowroot or potato starch for thickening.
• Cut meat and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes to help tenderize meat and prevent it from becoming tough or dry.

Flavor Twists for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Hearty Lamb Stew: Replace beef with tender lamb chunks for a Mediterranean-inspired variation. Use rosemary instead of thyme and add red wine for deeper flavor.
• Vegetarian Pressure Pot: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan. Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms for umami depth. Include extra root vegetables like parsnips for heartiness.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use bone broth instead of regular broth. Add extra fatty cuts of meat and reduce cooking liquid for richer consistency.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a thickener. Substitute regular flour-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives to maintain the original recipe's essence.

Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread for dipping, creating a warm and comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Rustic Farmhouse Plating: Ladle the stew into deep ceramic bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and pair with a simple green salad for a balanced, rustic dining experience.
• Gourmet Comfort Upgrade: Top each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream to add extra richness and texture to the classic beef stew.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the stew's deep flavors by serving with a glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, enhancing the meal's overall taste profile.

Storage Guidelines for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the stew completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use shallow containers to help the stew cool faster and ensure even temperature distribution.
• Label the container with the date of storage to track freshness.

Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty instant pot beef stew offers a comforting blend of tender meat, robust vegetables, and rich broth. Savory flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you can enjoy with crusty bread and warm company.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef stew meat

Vegetables:

• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and warm the olive oil. Methodically brown meat portions, ensuring each side develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
2. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate. Introduce onions and garlic into the pot, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for 3-4 minutes.
4. Reintroduce seared meat to the pot. Pour beef broth and complement with Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Layer in chopped carrots and diced potatoes.
5. Secure the lid, position valve to sealing configuration. Pressurize on high setting for 35 minutes, allowing intense flavors to meld together.
6. After cooking completes, permit natural pressure reduction for 10 minutes. Subsequently, execute quick release for remaining steam.
7. Extract bay leaf from the mixture. Create cornstarch slurry by blending with water. Activate sauté mode and integrate slurry, stirring until stew reaches desired viscosity.
8. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and rich, robust consistency.

Notes

• Browning beef in batches ensures a rich, deep flavor by creating a perfect caramelized exterior without overcrowding the pot.
• Use chuck roast or stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich marbling that breaks down beautifully during pressure cooking.
• Cornstarch slurry works magic for thickening, but add gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve silky smooth consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 328 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg