Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is one of those go-to meals that I keep coming back to, especially when I want something comforting but without the all-day cooking hassle. It’s rich, hearty, and full of those classic flavors that just make you feel right at home. I love this because the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, making the meat tender and the veggies perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time it would normally take.

You’ll find that this stew is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a crowd-pleasing dish ready fast. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe balances convenience with that slow-cooked taste we all crave. Trust me, once you try my Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of beef chuck roast, fresh veggies, and simple seasonings gives this stew its classic, hearty profile. I always recommend getting quality beef and fresh produce for the best results, but you’ll see this recipe is forgiving and adaptable.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for extra flavor.
• Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect because it’s flavorful and becomes tender under pressure.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning—use generously to enhance all the ingredients.
• Beef Stock: The savory base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Tomato Paste: Brings acidity and depth without overpowering.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A little umami magic that balances the stew beautifully.
• Paprika: Adds mild smoky warmth.
• Minced Garlic: Essential for savory depth.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the beef perfectly.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle background flavor during cooking.
• Onions: Sweetness and texture balance the richness.
• Celery: Crunchy aromatics that soften nicely in the stew.
• Potatoes: The hearty, filling element that absorbs all the stew’s flavors.
• Carrots: Sweet, tender bites that round out the veggies.
• Cornstarch: Thickener that gives your stew that perfect, luscious sauce.
• Water (for slurry): Helps disperse the cornstarch evenly without lumps.

Variations

I like to play around with this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and swap out veggies or seasoning to suit your taste!

• Root Vegetables Swap: I sometimes swap out some potatoes or carrots for parsnips or turnips—adds a nice twist and additional earthiness.
• Red Wine Boost: One of my favorite extras is adding a splash of red wine after browning the meat to deglaze the pot—it adds fantastic depth.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder works wonders.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium beef broth and go light on added salt, then adjust at the end for better control.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat for Maximum Flavor

Set your Instant Pot to Saute High and melt the butter. Season the chuck roast cubes well with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches—don’t crowd the pot or the meat will steam instead of sear. This is key because those browned bits add rich flavor later. Once browned, set the meat aside on a plate.

Step 2: Add Your Liquid and Seasonings

Turn off the saute mode and return all the browned meat to the pot. Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and thyme. Mix everything together well so those flavors start mingling.

Step 3: Toss in the Vegetables

Add diced onions, sliced celery, potatoes, and carrots. Give it one last stir and pop in the bay leaf. The veggies add body and sweetness that balance the beef perfectly.

Step 4: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection

Seal your Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, carefully do a quick release—but I like covering the vent with a dish towel to prevent any splatter. This step helps keep your kitchen clean and safe.

Step 5: Thicken Your Stew

Mix cornstarch and water until smooth to make your slurry. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and stir in the slurry. Let the stew sit a few minutes—it thickens nicely without overcooking the veggies.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Then, serve it up warm—comfort in a bowl!

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika finishes it off nicely.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crusty bread to soak up all that rich sauce, or a simple green salad for balance. Mashed potatoes work if you want an even heartier meal, though with all the potatoes in the stew, it’s usually plenty!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the stew in small, individual crocks topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives. It feels extra cozy and makes it easy for guests to get their perfect serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop so it heats evenly and doesn’t get too thick or dry.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer bags or containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend low heat on the stove or medium power in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, just splash in a little beef stock or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe holds a very special spot in my kitchen routine. It’s the perfect way to get all the cozy comfort of a slow cooker stew, but without tying up my whole day. I love sharing this with friends who are skeptical about pressure cooking—once they try it, they’re converted! So, give it a shot yourself—you’ll soon find it’s your new weeknight hero.

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