There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty bowl of beef stew, and this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe takes all that cozy goodness and makes it effortlessly quick. Imagine tender chunks of chuck roast simmered with vibrant vegetables, all nestled in a rich and flavorful broth that’s been perfectly thickened to coat every bite. This recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, combining simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in the Instant Pot for a meal that feels like it took hours, even though it’s ready in about an hour. Whether you’re coming home from a busy day or planning a family dinner, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is your new go-to for comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy beef to the fresh vegetables and classic seasonings, everything you add transforms into the perfect hearty stew.
- 4 tbsp Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the meat evenly, intensifying flavor.
- 2 1/2 lb Chuck Roast, cut in 1″ cubes: A tender yet affordable cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth after pressure cooking.
- Salt & Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
- 4 cup Beef Stock: Creates a deep savory base that simmers with all the ingredients.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness that enhances the broth’s color and depth.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Imparts a wonderful umami punch that uplifts the stew.
- 1 tsp Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic: A burst of fragrant flavor that melds with the beef perfectly.
- 1 tsp Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the heartiness of the stew without overpowering it.
- 1 Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 1/2 Onions, diced: Provides sweetness and depth once softened in the stew.
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced: Adds crisp freshness and slight bitterness to balance richness.
- 5 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed: Absorb the stew’s flavors while lending creaminess.
- 3 Carrots, peeled and sliced: Offer natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch: Used to thicken the stew into a luscious gravy.
- 3 tbsp Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté and Brown the Meat
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté High’ mode and melting the butter. This step sets the stage for developing incredible flavor as you brown the chuck roast cubes seasoned with salt and pepper. Browning the meat in batches ensures a lovely caramelized crust, sealing in those juicy juices that elevate the stew from simple to spectacular. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside while preparing the rest.
Step 2: Combine Meat with Liquids and Seasonings
With the meat browned and ready, turn off the sauté mode and return all those beautifully seared beef cubes to the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef stock, then blend in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and thyme. Give everything a good stir so the seasonings marry perfectly with the juices and meat, creating a flavorful stew base.
Step 3: Add Your Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onions, sliced celery, cubed potatoes, and carrot slices. These fresh ingredients absorb all the rich flavors during cooking, adding tender textures and natural sweetness. Place the bay leaf on top to infuse its delicate aroma throughout the stew as it cooks.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Stew
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. This is where all the magic happens—the beef becomes fall-apart tender, and the veggies soften perfectly while the flavors intensify and mingle into one delightful dish.
Step 5: Quick Release and Thicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick pressure release, using a dish towel over the vent to prevent any hot splatter. Remove the lid and take out the bay leaf, then whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the stew to thicken the sauce, letting it sit for a few minutes until it reaches that ideal comforting consistency.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your stew a final taste test and adjust salt and pepper if needed. And just like that, your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is ready to warm you right up, with tender beef, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked veggies all in one bowl of pure satisfaction.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a fresh, herbaceous touch that brightens up the stew’s rich, hearty flavors. If you want a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fraîche works beautifully as a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of stew sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad can round out the meal, providing a pleasant balance and texture variety on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic feel, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, ladle the stew over a bed of buttered egg noodles or polenta for a meal that feels special without added effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe keep splendidly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even further after resting, making your next meal just as enjoyable as the first.
Freezing
If you want to stash away some stew for busy days, simply freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and reheated whenever you need a comforting home-cooked meal quickly.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If needed, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen the sauce, restoring it to that perfect simmering consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, other cuts like brisket or stew meat can work too. Just make sure the beef is suitable for slow, moist cooking to achieve the right tenderness in the Instant Pot.
Do I have to use cornstarch to thicken the stew?
Not at all! Cornstarch is a quick and easy thickener, but you could also use a flour slurry, arrowroot powder, or even reduce the stew a bit longer on ‘Sauté’ mode if you prefer a thicker sauce without added ingredients.
Can I make this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe vegetarian?
The flavor base relies heavily on beef stock and meat, but you can adapt the method using mushrooms and vegetable broth to create a rich and hearty vegetarian stew. Just swap the chuck roast for hearty vegetables or meat substitutes.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be mindful of your Instant Pot’s capacity—don’t overfill it beyond the maximum fill line. Cooking times remain largely the same, but you might need to adjust seasoning quantities to taste.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew without lumps?
Mixing the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot stew creates a smooth slurry that won’t clump. Stir it in gradually while the stew simmers to achieve a silky, lump-free consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is truly a keeper—combining ease, hearty flavor, and comforting textures in one pot. The magic of the Instant Pot means you get a deep slow-cooked taste without spending all day in the kitchen. I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience how effortlessly satisfying a classic beef stew can be. Once you do, it will become your trusted favorite whenever the craving for something warm and nourishing strikes.
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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Tender chunks of chuck roast are browned in butter, then pressure-cooked with potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and a savory blend of seasonings. Finished with a rich, thickened sauce, this stew is packed with flavor and comes together quickly thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 1/2 lb Chuck Roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp Butter
Liquid 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
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot on 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 to create a rich base for browning.
- Browns the Meat: Season the chuck roast cubes with salt and pepper. Brown them in batches in the melted butter, ensuring a deep browned crust develops on each piece. Remove browned meat to a bowl and repeat until all meat is browned.
- Add the Meat Back: Turn off sauté mode and return all the browned meat pieces back 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 all ingredients evenly.
- 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: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook at high pressure for 35 minutes to tenderize the meat and blend the flavors deeply.
- 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, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the lid from the Instant Pot, discard the bay leaf, then gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce 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
- Browning the meat in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures better caramelization.
- Use a dish towel over the pressure release vent to avoid hot splatters during quick release.
- Adjust cornstarch slurry amount if you prefer a thinner or thicker stew.
- You can substitute chuck roast with other stew beef cuts if desired.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and flavors intensify after resting overnight.
