If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing rich, homemade flavor, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is an absolute game changer. It fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma while delivering tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef surrounded by perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, and celery in a luscious, thickened sauce. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a special family dinner, this stew promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays its part to create a deliciously balanced stew with layers of flavor, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures that come together harmoniously.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Provides a rich base for browning the beef and adds subtle depth to the stew.
- Chuck Roast, cut in 1″ cubes (2 1/2 lb): A flavorful cut that becomes wonderfully tender under pressure.
- Salt & Pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Beef Stock (4 cups): Adds a robust, savory liquid foundation that infuses the stew with meaty goodness.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Deepens the stew’s color and adds a subtle tangy richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Brings umami complexity and a slight tang.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Offers a warm, smoky undertone that complements the beef perfectly.
- Minced Garlic (3 tsp): Injects aromatic, savory notes that sharpen the stew’s overall flavor.
- Thyme (1 tsp): A classic herb that gives an earthy freshness and a hint of floral aroma.
- Bay Leaf (1): Slowly infuses a subtle herbal essence as the stew simmers.
- Onions, diced (1 1/2): Adds sweetness and texture contrast to the stew.
- Celery, sliced (2 stalks): Brings slight crunch and a fresh vegetal note.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed (5 medium): Their creaminess balances the robust beef flavors.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced (3): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Used to thicken the stew’s sauce to a silky finish.
- Water (3 tbsp): Combined with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare to Brown the Meat
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Saute High’ mode. This step is crucial because browning the meat locks in those savory flavors that will build the depth of this stew. It may seem simple, but this step makes a huge difference.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Next, add the butter to the pot and let it melt completely. This melted butter will act as a flavorful fat base that helps brown the beef beautifully, adding richness to the stew’s foundation.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Season your chuck roast cubes generously with salt and pepper. In batches, brown them in the melted butter until each side develops a satisfying sear and deep color. Don’t rush this step; taking the time will ensure succulent, flavorful beef in your stew. After browning each batch, set the meat aside in a bowl—this layering of flavors is what makes the final dish irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Aromatics
Turn off the saute mode and return all browned meat back into the Instant Pot. Now pour in your beef stock, then add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and thyme. Give everything a thorough stir to combine all those wonderful flavors before adding the vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables and Bay Leaf
Time to add the diced onions, sliced celery, cubed potatoes, and sliced carrots straight into the pot. Spread them evenly, then pop the bay leaf on top. This combination creates the perfect balance of heartiness, sweetness, and fresh earthy notes that round out the stew.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Stew
Secure the Instant Pot lid tightly, set your pressure cooker to high pressure, and cook for 35 minutes. This part is magic—under pressure, the beef becomes incredibly tender, and all the flavors marry perfectly, creating that classic stew consistency that’s both hearty and comforting.
Step 7: Quick Release and Thicken the Sauce
When the cooking time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure, using a dish towel over the vent to avoid splatter. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Meanwhile, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into your stew to thicken the sauce to a velvety consistency that clings to every piece of meat and vegetable.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the stew a final taste, adding salt and pepper if needed to bring out all the flavors at their best. Once satisfied, ladle your steaming hot Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe into bowls and prepare to enjoy a truly heartwarming meal.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter and can visually and flavorfully elevate your stew. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few fresh thyme leaves brighten up the hearty dish beautifully. For a subtle bite, a bit of cracked black pepper or a dollop of sour cream can add delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
While the stew is filling on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Buttery dinner rolls, garlic bread, or even a simple side of buttery mashed potatoes can be excellent companions. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad provide fresh texture and color balance for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your serving extra special, consider ladling the stew over creamy polenta or egg noodles. For gatherings, serve in individual mini cast iron skillets to ward off chill and impress guests with rustic charm. A sprinkle of grated sharp cheese on top, melted slightly, can add a cozy, indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day leftovers even more tempting!
Freezing
For longer storage, cool the stew to room temperature before placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results, preserving that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, so it warms evenly without breaking down the tender beef and vegetables. If thickening has loosened, add a quick cornstarch slurry again for perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can use beef brisket or even stew meat. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly to achieve the perfect tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder or a gluten-free flour blend. Also, check the Worcestershire sauce label as some brands contain gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Feel free to customize! Mushrooms, peas, or parsnips all blend well with this recipe. Add sturdier vegetables at the start and delicate ones like peas near the end to keep textures balanced.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can still make a delicious beef stew on the stovetop or slow cooker. Just brown the meat in a pot, then simmer covered on the stove for 2 to 3 hours or slow cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender.
How do I prevent the stew from being watery?
Make sure to brown your beef properly and use the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce. Also, avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain pressure and proper liquid reduction.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and delight of a stew cooked to perfection, and this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe truly nails that experience in a time-saving way. It’s a dish that brings people together, warms the soul, and proves that quick meals can also be incredibly satisfying. I encourage you to dive in and make this stew your go-to for cozy dinners and happy gatherings.
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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe delivers tender, flavorful chunks of chuck roast simmered in a rich broth with hearty vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal, this stew is quick to prepare with the convenience of the Instant Pot, ensuring deep flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Butter
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 1/2 lb Chuck Roast, cut into 1” cubes
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups Beef Stock
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 Onions, diced
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced
- 5 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 Carrots, peeled and sliced
Thickening Mixture
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté High. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté High’ mode to prepare for browning the meat.
- Melt the Butter. Add the butter to the pot and allow it to fully melt, creating a base for browning the meat.
- Browning the Meat. Season the chuck roast cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in batches in the melted butter until seared on all sides, then transfer each batch to a bowl.
- Add the Meat Back to the Pot. Turn off sauté mode and return all the browned meat pieces into the Instant Pot.
- Add Liquid Base and Seasonings. Pour in beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and thyme. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Add Vegetables. Add diced onions, sliced celery, cubed potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Mix everything together and place the bay leaf on top.
- Cook under High Pressure. Securely close the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook at high pressure for 35 minutes to tenderize the meat and blend the flavors.
- Quick Release. Once cooking is complete, carefully cover the pressure release vent with a dish towel to prevent spatter and perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture. While waiting for the pressure to release, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce. Remove the lid, discard the bay leaf, then gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew. Allow it to sit a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve. Taste the stew and add additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting beef stew.
Notes
- For best flavor, brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- You can substitute the chuck roast with brisket or stew beef if preferred.
- Adjust the cooking time if using a different Instant Pot model, ensuring meat is tender.
- If you prefer a thinner stew, reduce or omit the cornstarch slurry.
- This stew freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
