Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor? This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the perfect dish for you! Tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth all come together in a fraction of the time thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this beef stew is sure to become a go-to recipe. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in under an hour. Read on for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations!

this Recipe

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What is Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a classic comfort food made with tender beef chunks, hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth. The Instant Pot dramatically cuts down the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth beef stew in just about an hour, compared to the hours it would take with traditional stovetop or slow cooker methods. The pressure cooker locks in all the flavor, making this stew taste like it’s been simmering all day.

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Ingredients List for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and delicious beef stew:

• Beef Stew Meat (chuck roast, round roast, or short ribs) – 2 pounds, cut into 1-2 inch cubes.
• Salt and Pepper – To season the beef.
• Flour (optional) – ¼ cup, for dredging the beef (adds thickness to the stew).
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for searing the beef.
• Onion – 1 large, diced.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced for depth of flavor.
• Carrots – 3 large, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
• Potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes) – 4 medium, diced into 1-inch cubes.
• Celery – 2 stalks, sliced.
• Beef Broth – 4 cups, for a rich base.
• Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons, for added richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon, for umami flavor.
• Bay Leaf – 1, for added depth.
• Thyme (fresh or dried) – 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for a mild smoky flavor.
• Cornstarch (optional) – 1-2 tablespoons, mixed with cold water for thickening at the end.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences:

• Meat Choices: You can use chuck roast, round roast, or even short ribs for this stew. If you want a leaner option, you can use stew meat, though it may be a bit less tender.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, parsnips, and peas are great additions.
• Gluten-Free: Omit the flour for dredging the beef, or use a gluten-free flour substitute to keep the stew gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with turnips or cauliflower for a lower-carb version of the stew.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.

These variations allow you to customize the dish to suit your dietary preferences while keeping it flavorful and satisfying.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Instant Pot Beef Stew step by step:

1. Prepare and Sear the Beef:
   • Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. If desired, dredge the beef in flour for a thicker stew.
   • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. In batches, sear the beef cubes for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to the stew.
4. Add the Vegetables and Beef:
   • Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot as well.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
   • Stir in the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Pressure Cook the Stew:
   • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the Sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the timer for 35 minutes on High Pressure.
7. Natural Release:
   • Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
8. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
   • If you’d like a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for a few minutes until the stew thickens.
9. Serve and Garnish:
   • Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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How to Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the main steps to make Instant Pot Beef Stew:

1. Sear the beef using the sauté mode to develop flavor.
2. Sauté onions and garlic and deglaze with beef broth.
3. Add vegetables and beef to the Instant Pot, along with broth and seasonings.
4. Pressure cook for 35 minutes on high pressure, then allow natural release.
5. Thicken with cornstarch if needed, and serve hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Searing the Beef: Searing the beef adds flavor and depth to the stew. Don’t skip this step, even if it takes a bit more time.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Make sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot when you deglaze with broth. These add rich flavor to the stew.
• Not Letting the Pressure Release Naturally: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 10-15 minutes before venting. This helps the beef become even more tender.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Be mindful of the size of your vegetable chunks. Cutting them too small can result in mushy vegetables.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Instant Pot Beef Stew is hearty and rustic, but with a few touches, you can make it look as amazing as it tastes!

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew:

• Family-Style: Serve the stew directly from the Instant Pot, allowing everyone to scoop their portions from the pot.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle the stew into individual bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
• Rustic Look: Serve the stew in cast-iron bowls or rustic stoneware for a cozy, farmhouse-style presentation.
• Side Ideas: Pair the stew with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the rich broth, or serve with a simple green salad for balance.

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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Beef stew often tastes better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen beef, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time to about 45-50 minutes. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to sear the frozen meat, so the flavor may be slightly less developed.

Can I add wine to the stew?
Absolutely! For added depth of flavor, replace ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine. This will give the stew a rich, complex flavor.

What kind of beef is best for beef stew?
Chuck roast is the best choice for beef stew because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure. You can also use round roast or short ribs.

Can I make this stew without potatoes?
Yes! If you’re following a low-carb diet or prefer no potatoes, you can omit them and add other vegetables like turnips, zucchini, or mushrooms.

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Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of classic beef stew in a fraction of the time, thanks to the pressure cooker. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, and enjoy every warm, satisfying bite!

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