Instant Pot Beef Stew

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Hearty, rich, and packed with tender chunks of beef and flavorful vegetables, this Instant Pot Beef Stew is the definition of cozy comfort food. With its thick, savory gravy and melt-in-your-mouth ingredients, it tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it comes together in a fraction of the time thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or craving a satisfying family meal, this stew delivers every time.

Using the Instant Pot not only shaves hours off traditional stew recipes but also intensifies the flavors, giving you deep, slow-cooked taste in under an hour. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with this one-pot meal. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, and you have a complete, soul-warming dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

This recipe is quick, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights. It turns simple pantry ingredients into a deeply flavorful dish with very little effort. The beef turns incredibly tender, the potatoes and carrots soak up all the seasoning, and the gravy is thick and luxurious without needing a stovetop roux. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and ideal for batch cooking.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Instant Pot Stew?

Chuck roast is the top choice here. It’s affordable, has a good amount of marbling, and becomes deliciously tender under pressure. You can also use stew meat or brisket, but be aware that leaner cuts won’t be as flavorful or juicy. Cut the beef into 1.5-inch chunks for even cooking and maximum tenderness.

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Ingredients for the Instant Pot Beef Stew

Every ingredient contributes to a perfect spoonful of flavor, texture, and heartiness:

• Beef chuck roast: The star of the show, this cut becomes fall-apart tender when pressure cooked.
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and color while soaking up the savory broth.
• Potatoes: Provide bulk and creaminess; Yukon Gold or russets work great.
• Onion: Deepens the base flavor of the stew.
• Garlic: Infuses the stew with aromatic richness.
• Beef broth: The liquid base that enhances the meaty flavors.
• Tomato paste: Adds umami and body to the stew.
• Worcestershire sauce: Offers a tangy depth that rounds out the savory profile.
• Thyme and rosemary: Classic herbs that bring earthy balance.
• Bay leaf: A subtle background note that elevates the stew.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the beef and enhance overall richness.
• Flour: Lightly coats the beef for browning and helps thicken the stew.
• Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a touch of sweetness and color.

How To Make the Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil to the pot and sear the beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build Flavor

Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, remaining beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Lock the lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Release

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in frozen peas and let sit for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with bread or over mashed potatoes.

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Storing and Serving Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew makes enough to serve 6 hearty portions. It’s ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep days. The flavor deepens after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even more delicious.

To store, let the stew cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or using the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Beef Stew

Crusty Bread

Perfect for soaking up that rich gravy. Sourdough or French baguette are great choices.

Mashed Potatoes

Serve the stew right over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Their soft texture makes them an excellent base for soaking up the stew’s savory sauce.

Steamed Green Beans

Add a simple veggie side to lighten the plate and contrast the hearty stew.

Garden Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef stew.

Cornbread

Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread is a delicious side that pairs beautifully with savory stew.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slightly bitter caramelization complements the sweetness of carrots and onions in the stew.

Red Wine

If you’re serving guests, a glass of dry red wine enhances the bold, meaty flavors of the dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?
Technically yes, but it’s best to thaw the beef first for even searing and better texture. Using frozen beef will add extra cook time and might result in less flavorful browning.

What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, but beef broth gives the most depth and complements the meat best.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew is perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors intensify as it sits, and it’s easy to reheat.

How can I thicken the stew more?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the hot stew after pressure cooking. Use “Sauté” mode to simmer until thickened.

Can I add wine to the stew?
Yes, deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup of dry red wine after sautéing the aromatics. Let it reduce slightly before adding broth for a richer taste.

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Conclusion

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty classic made faster and easier with pressure cooking. It’s the perfect dish when you need a cozy, nourishing meal without spending all day at the stove. Packed with veggies, tender beef, and a flavorful gravy, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Make it once, and it’ll become a staple in your cold-weather meal rotation.

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