Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, flavorful bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew—especially when it’s made in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This quick and easy recipe brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that’s been infused with layers of flavor. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can achieve melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked vegetables without having to wait hours for the stew to simmer.

The beauty of this Instant Pot Beef Stew is its ability to lock in flavors while dramatically reducing the cooking time. With simple ingredients like beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, and a savory mix of seasonings, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting meal on a cold evening. Whether you’re serving it as a filling dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this beef stew is a foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fast and Easy

Cooking beef stew in the Instant Pot drastically reduces the cooking time while keeping all the flavors intact, giving you a delicious, tender stew in about 1 hour.

2. Tender Beef

The pressure cooking process makes the beef stew meat incredibly tender and juicy, falling apart with just a fork.

3. One-Pot Meal

Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, so cleanup is a breeze! You don’t have to worry about multiple pots or pans.

4. Hearty and Filling

Packed with beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, this stew is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the vegetables or seasonings to suit your tastes. Add peas, parsnips, or even mushrooms for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetable Beef Stew: Add more vegetables, such as peas, celery, or parsnips, for an even heartier stew.
• Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some extra heat.
• Red Wine Beef Stew: Swap out a portion of the beef broth with red wine for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Vegan Stew: Omit the beef and replace it with plant-based protein or a combination of beans and additional vegetables like lentils or chickpeas.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, brown the beef stew meat in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot to ensure that the beef gets a nice sear. After each batch, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the Instant Pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds flavor to the stew).

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Stew

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to “venting” to release the remaining pressure.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and set the Instant Pot to the sauté function again. Let the stew simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken.

Step 6: Serve

Once thickened, discard the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor

Don’t skip the browning step. Searing the beef creates a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot

When browning the beef, do it in batches to ensure that each piece gets a nice sear. If you overcrowd the pot, the beef will steam instead of brown.

3. Use Starchy Potatoes

For a creamier, thicker texture, use Yukon gold potatoes. Their waxy texture helps to break down a bit and naturally thicken the stew.

4. Adjust the Seasonings

Feel free to taste the stew and adjust the seasonings before serving. A little extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce can go a long way in elevating the flavors.

5. Make Ahead Option

You can make this beef stew ahead of time. Let it cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It will also taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

How to Serve

This hearty beef stew is perfect on its own but can be served with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate comfort food experience. If you’re looking to make it even more filling, serve with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if necessary to restore its consistency.

Freezing

This beef stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew over medium heat on the stovetop. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, add a little beef broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef stew meat?

Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking, or you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

2. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! You can add vegetables like peas, parsnips, or celery for a heartier stew. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

3. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! If you prefer to use a slow cooker, cook the beef and vegetables on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For a thicker consistency, make a cornstarch slurry at the end and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

4. Can I make this stew without tomato paste?

If you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute it with a small amount of crushed tomatoes, though the flavor will be slightly different.

5. Can I use potatoes other than Yukon gold or russet?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best because they are starchy and break down nicely in the stew. You can use other potatoes, but waxy potatoes like red potatoes may not break down as well.

6. Can I skip the cornstarch thickening step?

Yes! If you prefer a thinner broth, you can skip the cornstarch step, and the stew will still be delicious.

7. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

Ground beef can be used, but it will result in a different texture. Stew meat works best for this recipe because it becomes tender and breaks apart beautifully in the stew.

8. How do I make the stew spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

9. Can I use wine in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute part of the beef broth with red wine for a more robust flavor.

10. Can I add beans to the stew?

Yes! You can add beans such as kidney beans or white beans for extra protein and texture. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the stew.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth come together in under an hour, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal. Make this stew today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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