If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is just what you need. Rich, tender beef cubes mingle with vibrant carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms, all infused with fragrant herbs and a luscious, thickened broth. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this classic stew comes together faster than you ever thought possible, making it a weeknight favorite that never sacrifices flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this stew plays an important role, creating a perfect harmony of flavors, colors, and textures. From the savory beef chuck to the fresh vegetables and herbs, each item is simple yet essential to bringing this dish to life.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast: Cubed for perfect tenderness after pressure cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a nice, flavorful sear on the beef.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the stew base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the dish.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds rich umami and a hint of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts complexity with its tangy, savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a pine-like fragrance that complements the beef.
- 2 bay leaves: Slow-release flavor that deepens the stew’s profile.
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chunked: Bring sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Add hearty, creamy texture.
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced: Provide earthiness and a meaty bite.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness at the end.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: For thickening the stew to the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to dissolve cornstarch before adding to the stew.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating the olive oil. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until every side is gloriously browned. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful base for the stew. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these fragrant aromatics until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. This quickly builds a flavorful foundation that will infuse each spoonful with sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together well, scraping the bottom to lift all the flavorful brown bits left from searing the beef. This step is crucial because it brings in layers of richness and herbal undertones that make this stew unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Beef Back In
Return the seared beef to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. These vegetables not only add texture and color but also complement the meaty richness with their natural sweetness and earthiness.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 35 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the beef becomes tender and the flavors marry beautifully under pressure, drastically reducing the cooking time compared to traditional methods.
Step 6: Release Pressure and Thicken
After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining steam. Open the lid carefully, discard the bay leaves, and switch back to sauté mode.
Step 7: Thicken and Finish
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the stew to thicken the broth. Let it cook for a few minutes until it reaches a nice gravy-like consistency. Finally, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat them through and add a fresh burst of color and sweetness.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Don’t forget to taste your stew before serving! Adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme works wonders to brighten this rich stew. Adding a dollop of creamy horseradish can add a subtle kick for those who love a little heat. It’s all about personalizing this cozy dish to your taste.
Side Dishes
This stew shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread is pure bliss for sopping up every last drop of the luscious broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed green beans to introduce a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe in individual bread bowls. This not only makes a beautiful presentation but also creates an edible vessel that doubles the enjoyment. Alternatively, ladle the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for a soul-satisfying meal with extra comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making it even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can use other stew beef cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind cooking times and tenderness may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or slow cooker. On the stovetop, simmer the stew gently for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in parsnips, celery, or pearl onions for variety. Just remember to adjust cooking times for harder or softer veggies accordingly.
How do I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?
Your best alternatives are flour slurry or reducing the stew a bit longer on sauté mode. Alternatively, mashing a few of the potatoes into the stew can naturally thicken the broth as well.
Is this stew gluten-free?
As written, yes! Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free, since some brands contain hidden gluten. Always double-check to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is a shining example of comfort food done right—quick, flavorful, and packed with goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving that rich stew fix, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to favorites. So grab your Instant Pot, gather those ingredients, and make some soul-warming magic today!
Print
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 10m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and flavorful Instant Pot beef stew featuring tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth thickened to perfection.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Flavorings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté Beef: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, and sliced mushrooms.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to manual high pressure for 35 minutes to cook the stew.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Thicken Stew: Open the lid and carefully remove the bay leaves. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the stew while the pot is on sauté mode to thicken the broth.
- Add Peas and Final Simmer: Add the frozen peas and cook on sauté for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and incorporate.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve better searing.
- You can substitute vegetables based on preference; parsnips or turnips work well too.
- Letting the pressure release naturally helps keep the beef tender.
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the stew for a rich consistency without clumps.
