The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

When winter’s chill meets hearty comfort, this instant pot beef stew becomes a culinary lifeline for cold evenings.

Robust chunks of meat melt into tender bites that warm you from the inside out.

Home kitchens buzz with anticipation as savory aromas fill the space.

Rich broth swirls with golden potatoes and earthy vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Pressure cooking works its magic, infusing every morsel with deep, complex tastes.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction in this soul-soothing meal.

Dive into a bowl that promises to chase away winter’s blues and fill your heart with pure, simple joy.

Variations to Try with Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Vegan Hearty Stew: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan chunks, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add mushrooms for umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, use radishes as a potato alternative, and increase meat-to-vegetable ratio.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Follow same ingredients and measurements, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours instead of using Instant Pot pressure settings.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and verify all ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty sourdough or French baguette to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture to each hearty bite.
• Creamy Mashed Sidekick: Serve the stew over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that blends tender beef with velvety potato goodness.
• Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or add a small side salad with crisp greens to bring a light, fresh contrast to the robust stew flavors.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Pour a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the deep, meaty flavors of the stew.

Best Way to Store Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.
• Pour stew into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly and steaming.

FAQs

• Why brown the beef before pressure cooking?

Browning creates a delicious caramelized exterior that develops deep, rich flavor through the Maillard reaction, which adds complexity to the stew’s taste.

• Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

No, always thaw beef completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety, preventing potential bacterial growth and uneven texture.

• What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

You can make this stew in a Dutch oven or slow cooker. For Dutch oven, cook at 325°F for 2-3 hours. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Instant Pot Beef Stew That Comforts

• Speed Up Dinner: Whip up a hearty, flavorful beef stew in a fraction of the traditional cooking time using the Instant Pot's magic.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines browning, sautéing, and pressure cooking in the same vessel.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with tender beef chunks, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory seasonings, this stew delivers ultimate comfort and satisfaction for the whole family.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables or adjusting seasonings to match your taste preferences or use what's in your pantry.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Beef Chunks: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the primary protein for this comforting stew.

• Onions, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and richness to the overall flavor profile of the stew.
• Potatoes, Carrots: Classic root vegetables that contribute texture and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle herbal background note that enhances the overall complexity of the stew.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and adds a smooth, rich base to the cooking process.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation that tenderizes the meat and builds depth of flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a tangy and umami element to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the stew.
• Cornstarch, Water: Optional thickening agent to create a more substantial stew consistency.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal finish.

Preparation Steps for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Heat and Sizzle the Instant Pot

Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté mode.

Drizzle olive oil into the pot and carefully place beef chunks, working in small batches to ensure each piece browns evenly and develops a rich, golden crust.

Transfer the browned meat to a separate plate.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Stir and cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to intensify the flavors and create a delicious base for the stew.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

• Beef broth
• Diced potatoes
• Chopped carrots
• Bay leaves

Gently mix all ingredients to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Stew

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to manual high pressure for 35 minutes.

Once cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

Whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Stir into the stew and use sauté mode to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the steaming hot beef stew immediately.

Tips for a Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Sear beef chunks in batches to develop deep, rich flavor without overcrowding the pot, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Use cornstarch slurry to thicken stew if desired, adding gradually and stirring to prevent lumps and achieve perfect texture.
• Saute onions and garlic after browning meat to capture those delicious browned bits and intensify overall taste profile.
• Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results that enhance the stew's richness.
• Add Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme to bring complex, savory undertones that elevate the traditional beef stew experience.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty instant pot beef stew celebrates classic comfort with tender meat and rich flavors from traditional ingredients. Robust spices and slow-cooked vegetables create a satisfying meal you can easily prepare for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into chunks)

Vegetables:

• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function at medium-high heat and drizzle olive oil across the surface.
2. Methodically brown beef chunks in small batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
3. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to bloom the herbs and spices.
5. Return browned beef to the pot, then layer in chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and tuck bay leaves throughout the mixture.
6. Pour beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is slightly submerged.
7. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to manual high pressure, and cook for 35 minutes at 15 PSI.
8. Once cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the vegetables.
9. For a more luxurious consistency, whisk cornstarch with cold water and gently fold into the stew, allowing it to simmer on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes.
10. Discard bay leaves, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and serve piping hot in deep bowls.

Notes

• Brown beef in small batches to develop deep, rich flavor caramelization without overcrowding the pot.
• Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve perfect stew consistency.
• Swap beef with lamb or mushrooms for alternative protein options catering to different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg