Instant Pot Beef Stew

by
Savor a rich and tender Instant Pot beef stew in under an hour! Packed with juicy beef, veggies, and flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Introduction

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of beef stew, and with the Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the rich, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. This Instant Pot Beef Stew is loaded with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe will warm you up with its savory goodness in under an hour.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup water (optional, adjust for preferred stew thickness)
  • 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 medium carrots (sliced)
  • 3 large potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 2 stalks celery (sliced)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added after cooking)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation

Savor a rich and tender Instant Pot beef stew in under an hour! Packed with juicy beef, veggies, and flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy dinner.

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot
    Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil and heat until it begins to shimmer.
  2. Brown the Beef
    Add the beef stew meat in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics
    In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the Pot
    Pour in a small amount of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds flavor to the stew and prevents burning.
  5. Add Ingredients
    Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the remaining beef broth, water (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine.
  6. Add Vegetables
    Layer the carrots, potatoes, and celery on top of the meat mixture. Do not stir.
  7. Pressure Cook
    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “Sealing” mode. Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
  8. Natural Release
    Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch to “Venting” mode to release any remaining pressure.
  9. Finish the Stew
    Open the lid and give the stew a gentle stir. Add the frozen peas, which will heat up quickly in the hot stew.
  10. Serve and Garnish
    Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Variation

  • Red Wine Twist: Add 1/2 cup red wine with the broth for a richer, deeper flavor.
  • Different Veggies: Swap out or add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
  • Spicier Stew: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of sage add an extra touch of flavor.

Cooking Note

For extra thickness, consider mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the stew after cooking. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Beef Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. Serve it with a fresh green salad to add a crisp contrast to the hearty stew, or top with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Tips

  • Cut Ingredients Evenly: Uniformly cut vegetables and meat ensure everything cooks evenly.
  • Don’t Skip Browning: This step builds flavor, adding richness to the stew.
  • Layer Vegetables Carefully: Placing veggies on top keeps them from getting too soft.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes (pressure cooking)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (includes time for pressure release)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the beef slightly and increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes for even cooking.

2. Can I make this stew thicker?
Absolutely! After pressure cooking, use the cornstarch slurry method described above to achieve a thicker stew.

3. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

4. Can I freeze Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Savor a rich and tender Instant Pot beef stew in under an hour! Packed with juicy beef, veggies, and flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the perfect recipe for when you crave comfort food without the long wait. With tender meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a richly seasoned broth, it’s a hearty meal that’ll quickly become a family favorite. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it all easy and fast, so you can enjoy homemade goodness even on busy days. Try it tonight for a warming, satisfying dish!

Leave a Comment