Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Evening Warmth

Hearty and comforting, this instant pot beef stew delivers rich flavors that transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Pressure cooking transforms tough meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites packed with robust seasonings.

Chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth create a one-pot meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment without hours of traditional cooking.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected spices elevate this classic dish into something extraordinary.

Warm, nourishing, and incredibly simple to make, this stew promises a delightful dining experience.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied with every spoonful of pure comfort.

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Stew

• Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the stew stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stews freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Transfer refrigerated stew to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth if the stew seems too thick.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating once the stew reaches steaming hot temperature.

Pairings That Make Beef Stew a Full Meal

• Pour a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah alongside the beef stew, matching its rich meaty flavors and complementing the hearty texture of the dish.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious stew gravy, adding a perfect textural contrast and extra comfort to the meal.
• Create a light, zesty green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the stew's richness and provide a refreshing balance.
• Prepare simple roasted root vegetables like parsnips or roasted Brussels sprouts as a side dish to echo the stew's earthy, robust flavor profile and add extra nutritional depth.

How to Change Up Your Beef Stew Flavor

• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the stew's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening. Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add mushrooms for umami depth and additional protein.
• Slow Cooker Method: Follow the same ingredient list and preparation steps. Brown meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until meat is tender.

Beef Stew Questions and Straightforward Answers

• What makes the beef tender in this Instant Pot stew?

Searing the beef before pressure cooking helps develop a rich flavor and breaks down tough muscle fibers. The pressure cooking method also helps tenderize the meat by cooking it in a sealed, moist environment for 35 minutes.

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Chuck roast or stew meat work best because they have more connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, creating a tender and flavorful result. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become tough and dry.

• Do I need to cut the beef into specific sizes?

Cut the beef into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the stew. Uniform-sized pieces help the meat cook at the same rate and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked.

• Why do I need to sear the beef before pressure cooking?

Searing creates a delicious brown crust that adds deep, complex flavor to the stew through the Maillard reaction. This step also helps seal in the meat’s natural juices, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.

Beef Stew That’s Quick and Hearty in the Instant Pot

• Perfect for busy families wanting a delicious, nutritious dinner ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• Instant Pot transforms tough beef cuts into tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat while allowing home cooks to multitask during cooking process.
• Eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen stress for home chefs.
• Delivers rich, savory flavors that appeal to all ages, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual weekend gatherings.

Ingredients That Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Sing

• Beef Chuck Roast: A flavorful, tender cut perfect for slow-cooking, ideal for breaking down tough muscle fibers and creating melt-in-your-mouth texture. Choose well-marbled meat for rich flavor.
• Beef Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid base that enhances meat's richness and adds moisture to the stew. Low-sodium option allows better seasoning control.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth and complexity to the stew. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Carrots, Potatoes, Celery: Hearty vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and rustic character. Root vegetables hold up well during long cooking times.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb that contributes earthy, herbal undertones to the overall dish. Remove before serving.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance natural meat and vegetable flavors. Kosher salt recommended for better control.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that complement beef's rich flavor. Fresh herbs provide more vibrant taste than dried.
• Tomato Paste: Adds rich umami depth and helps thicken the stew. Concentrated flavor booster.
• Paprika: Provides mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color.
• Flour: Helps thicken the stew and create a silky texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy finish that balances the rich meat flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing and sautéing, adds subtle.

Instant Pot Instructions for a Stew That Hits the Spot

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Season beef with salt and pepper
• Heat olive oil in Instant Pot using Saute mode
• Brown beef in multiple batches (3-4 minutes per batch)
• Transfer browned beef to a separate plate

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Add extra oil if needed
• Saute onions until soft and translucent
• Mix in
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Paprika
• Cook for one minute until aromatic

Step 3: Build the Stew Foundation

• Sprinkle flour over ingredients
• Slowly pour beef broth
• Scrape bottom of pot to release browned bits
• Add back seared beef
• Incorporate
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Celery
• Bay leaf
• Stir everything together

Step 4: Pressure Cook

• Close Instant Pot lid
• Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes
• Allow natural pressure release (10-15 minutes)
• Quick release any remaining pressure

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Stir in balsamic vinegar
• Taste and adjust seasoning
• Remove bay leaf
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley
• Serve hot

Beef Stew Tips for Better Texture and Taste

• Perfectly Sear the Beef: Pat beef dry before seasoning to ensure maximum browning and develop deep, rich flavors without steaming the meat.
• Master the Instant Pot Technique: Use high-quality beef chuck roast for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that breaks down beautifully during pressure cooking.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Bloom herbs and spices briefly in the pot to release their essential oils and intensify the overall taste profile of the stew.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a low-carb version, or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Control Consistency Wisely: If the stew is too thin after cooking, use cornstarch slurry or simmer on Sauté mode to reduce and thicken the sauce naturally.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty instant pot beef stew delivers rich, comforting flavors that dance across hungry palates with deep, meaty goodness. Tender chunks of beef, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and savory broth create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (added at the end, optional but recommended)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Meticulously coat each beef chunk with a robust seasoning blend of salt and ground black pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and introduce a drizzle of olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
3. Execute strategic meat browning in multiple batches, developing a deep caramelized exterior on each piece, which takes approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
4. Transfer beautifully seared meat to a temporary holding plate, preserving those intricate flavor foundations.
5. Replenish the pot with additional oil if the surface appears dry, then gently introduce diced onions and allow them to soften and become translucent.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, vibrant tomato paste, fragrant thyme, earthy rosemary, and warming paprika, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and release their aromatic essences.
7. Dust the mixture with flour, creating a subtle thickening agent for the impending sauce.
8. Gradually stream beef broth into the pot, using a wooden utensil to liberate concentrated flavor fragments adhering to the bottom.
9. Reintroduce the reserved meat, then fold in chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, and a solitary bay leaf, ensuring comprehensive ingredient integration.
10. Secure the lid, programming the Instant Pot to high-pressure cooking for 35 minutes.
11. Once cooking completes, permit a natural pressure descent lasting 10-15 minutes, followed by a swift pressure release.
12. Finish the stew with a splash of balsamic vinegar, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
13. Extract the bay leaf, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve this hearty creation piping hot.

Notes

• Choose meat with good marbling for tender, flavorful results that melt in your mouth.
• Patting beef dry before searing ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust and deeper flavor development.
• Cut vegetables into similar-sized chunks to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tangy depth that brightens the rich, hearty beef flavors without overwhelming the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg