Instant Pot Beef Stew REcipe

Craving a warm, comforting meal but short on time? This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the perfect solution! With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional beef stew in a fraction of the time. Using your Instant Pot, you can enjoy a deeply satisfying bowl of beef stew in about an hour—without sacrificing flavor. Read on to learn how to make this quick and easy Instant Pot Beef Stew, plus tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

this Recipe

What is Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Beef stew is a classic comfort dish made with chunks of beef slowly cooked with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich, savory broth. The Instant Pot, a multifunctional pressure cooker, speeds up the process by cooking everything under high pressure, reducing the cooking time drastically while still delivering melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked vegetables. This Instant Pot Beef Stew is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, homemade meal without hours of simmering.

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a delicious beef stew in your Instant Pot:

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when cooked under pressure.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef.
• 1 large onion, diced.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 4 cups beef broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds richness and depth.
• 1 cup red wine (optional): Enhances the stew’s flavor, or you can substitute with more beef broth.
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• 2 stalks celery, sliced.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: For earthy, herbal notes.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Complements the beef.
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch: To thicken the stew at the end.
• Salt and pepper, to taste.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peas: Stir in during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For added depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some ideas to customize your Instant Pot Beef Stew to fit your preferences:

• Meat alternatives: Substitute beef with lamb or pork, or even boneless short ribs for extra richness.
• Wine substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with extra beef broth or use a combination of beef broth and balsamic vinegar for a bit of acidity.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for variety and extra flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour to thicken the stew, or skip the thickener for a thinner broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make a delicious Instant Pot Beef Stew in no time!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper and brown the meat in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, until the beef is browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pot—this helps develop flavor.
• Remove the browned beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

• Add the red wine (or extra beef broth) to the pot to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this adds incredible flavor to the stew. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients

• Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot, along with the tomato paste, beef broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Stew

• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the Sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

• If you'd like a thicker stew, make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the stew and use the Sauté function to simmer the stew for a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.

Step 7: Serve

• Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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

Here’s a quick summary of the key steps to ensure perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew:

1. Brown the beef: Browning the beef on all sides adds richness and depth to the stew.
2. Sauté aromatics: Cooking the onions and garlic brings out their flavor.
3. Deglaze the pot: Scraping up the browned bits after adding wine or broth is essential for a flavorful base.
4. Pressure cook for tender meat: The Instant Pot works magic in turning beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks in just 35 minutes of cooking.
5. Thicken if needed: Adjust the consistency to your preference by simmering with a flour or cornstarch slurry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef adds depth and flavor to the stew. Don’t skip it, even though it takes a little extra time.
• Not deglazing the pot: After browning the beef, it’s important to deglaze the pot to lift up the flavorful browned bits stuck on the bottom.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cut the vegetables into larger pieces to avoid overcooking during the pressure-cooking process. Potatoes and carrots should be about 1-inch in size to maintain their texture.
• Rushing the release: Always allow for a natural release of pressure for at least 10 minutes. A quick release immediately after cooking can cause the stew to lose some of its flavor and texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is rich and hearty on its own, but pairing it with sides or garnishes can make it even more satisfying. Here’s how to serve and present it:

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

• With crusty bread: Serve the stew with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
• Over rice or noodles: Beef stew also pairs beautifully with steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty meal.
• With a salad: Balance the richness of the stew by serving it with a light green salad on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Garnish generously: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme over each serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in rustic bowls: Ladle the stew into deep, rustic-style bowls for a cozy, homestyle presentation.
• Top with sour cream: For extra creaminess and flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Tips

• Use quality beef: Chuck roast is the best cut for this stew because it becomes incredibly tender when cooked under pressure. If using a leaner cut, be aware that the beef may turn out less tender.
• Adjust for personal taste: You can tweak the seasonings and broth level to suit your personal taste. For a stronger tomato flavor, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
• Make it ahead: Beef stew often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld. You can make this ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you’ll need to skip the browning step. You may also need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the pressure-cooking time. Browning the beef beforehand adds a lot of flavor, so it's best to use fresh or thawed beef if possible.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through

. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I make this stew without wine?
A: Yes! Simply replace the wine with extra beef broth or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a bit of tang.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans. Just make sure to cut them into larger pieces so they don’t overcook.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly and easily thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. With tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional beef stew in a fraction of the time!

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