Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe packs all the cozy, hearty flavors you crave without the usual all-day simmering. If you’ve ever wished you could have a rich, tender beef stew on a weeknight, this recipe is your new best friend. I’ve been making this stew for years, and the Instant Pot seriously cuts down the wait time while locking in all those deep, comforting flavors.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe hits the sweet spot between convenience and comfort. The pressure cooker tenderizes the beef in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove, and the veggies come out perfectly cooked but not mushy. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes and more time to kick back.

From personal experience, this stew has saved me on busy evenings when I wanted something warm and satisfying without the hassle. The flavors meld beautifully, and the beef turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender every single time. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to tweak the recipe based on what’s in your pantry or your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap out the beef chuck for stew beef or even short ribs for a richer flavor.
• Use baby potatoes instead of regular ones to skip peeling.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang.
• Toss in mushrooms or parsnips for extra earthiness.
• For a thicker stew, stir in a cornstarch slurry after cooking and simmer on sauté mode until it reaches your desired consistency.

These swaps keep the stew interesting and allow you to customize it without losing that classic beef stew vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to whip up this Instant Pot Beef Stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
2. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until nicely seared. Set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
4. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute.
5. Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Return beef to the pot along with carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves.
7. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 35 minutes.
8. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
9. If you want a thicker stew, mix flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew on sauté mode until thickened.
10. Remove bay leaves, adjust salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Helpful Tips

• Browning the beef well adds a ton of flavor, so don’t rush this step.
• Cutting veggies into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly.
• Natural pressure release lets the meat relax and stay tender.
• If the stew tastes a bit flat after cooking, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can add depth.
• Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand; they brighten up the stew beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid skipping the browning step; it’s the flavor foundation.
• Don’t overfill the Instant Pot. Make sure you follow the max fill line.
• Adding too much flour or thickener before cooking can cause clumping.
• Not releasing pressure properly can lead to tough meat or undercooked veggies.
• Forgetting to season at the end can leave the stew tasting bland.

Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew

This stew is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes it up a notch:

• Crusty bread or garlic rolls for sopping up the gravy.
• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta if you want extra comfort.
• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

Any leftover beef stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

For longer storage, freeze the stew in portion-sized containers. It keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just a heads-up, potatoes might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor stays fantastic.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is a dependable, comforting meal that fits nicely into busy schedules without sacrificing that homemade feel. Give it a go, and you might find yourself making it a regular in your dinner rotation.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

A hearty and flavorful beef stew made quickly and easily in the Instant Pot, perfect for a comforting meal.