Instant Pot Beef Stew: Hearty, Flavorful, and Ready in No Time!

Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew. This classic comfort dish is the perfect blend of tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The best part? 

You can make it in a fraction of the time using an Instant Pot! If you’ve been searching for an easy and delicious Instant Pot beef stew recipe, look no further. In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of the process and answer some common questions to ensure your stew turns out perfect every time.

Why Choose the Instant Pot for Beef Stew?

Traditional beef stew recipes require hours of slow cooking to break down tough cuts of meat. However, with the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same tender and flavorful results in just about an hour! The pressure cooking function helps lock in moisture and intensify flavors, making it a game-changer for home cooks.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

To create a deeply satisfying and well-balanced beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp soy sauce (for depth of flavor)

• 1 lb potatoes, cut into chunks

• 3 large carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Seasonings & Herbs:

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

Thickening Agent:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the stew at the end)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.

2. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch.

3. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent (about 2 minutes).

2. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

1. Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits. This prevents the burn warning later!

Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients

1. Return the beef to the pot and add the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, potatoes, carrots, celery, and all seasonings.

2. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

1. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”

2. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode and set it to high pressure for 35 minutes.

3. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew

1. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode.

2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens.

3. Add the frozen peas and let them warm through for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Discard the bay leaf and serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

2. Enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, or simply on its own!

FAQs About Instant Pot Beef Stew

1. What is the best cut of beef for Instant Pot beef stew?

Beef chuck is the best cut for stew because it becomes incredibly tender under pressure. You can also use brisket or bottom round, but chuck remains the top choice for flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this beef stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! Instant Pot beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

3. How do I freeze Instant Pot beef stew?

Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! You can add mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans for extra variety. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

6. How do I make this stew even more flavorful?

Browning the meat properly and using a good-quality beef broth will enhance the flavor. You can also add a splash of red wine during the deglazing step for an extra depth of taste.

7. What should I serve with Instant Pot beef stew?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.

8. Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but it won’t brown as well. If using frozen beef, increase the pressure cooking time to 45 minutes.

9. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. For chicken stew, pressure cook for 15 minutes instead of 35.

10. What if my stew is too thin?

Use more cornstarch slurry or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes on “Sauté” mode to thicken further.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot beef stew is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want a hearty, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a comforting dinner for the family, this Instant Pot beef stew recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments!