How to Perfectly Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew

There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of beef stew, and when you add the convenience of an Instant Pot, it becomes a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a delicious and hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew, perfect for those chilly nights.

Ingredients

A visually appealing flat lay of ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Equipments

To successfully make this Instant Pot Beef Stew, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Instant Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew – Step By Step

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering and preparing all your ingredients: beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, celery, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and your favorite herbs. Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Having everything ready beforehand makes the cooking process seamless and ensures nothing is left out.

Step 2 – Sauté the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef chunks in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Browning enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction, locking in juices while adding a savory depth to the stew.

Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables

After removing the beef, add onions, garlic, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This aromatic base will provide a boost of flavor that complements the beef.

Step 4 – Deglaze the Pot

Pour a small amount of beef broth into the Instant Pot to deglaze, scraping off any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Browning bits are full of flavor and incorporating them ensures every bite of the stew is packed with a rich taste.

Step 5 – Combine Ingredients

Add the browned beef back into the pot, followed by the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Ensure everything is well-mixed, and the beef is submerged in the liquid.

Step 6 – Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to the “Stew” or “Manual” setting. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. This cooking time allows the beef to become tender while melding all the flavors from the ingredients into a cohesive, delicious stew.

Step 7 – Natural Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This resting period helps to lock in the flavors and ensures the stew has the perfect consistency.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Serve your hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew in deep bowls garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This stew is best enjoyed hot and is particularly comforting on cold evenings.

Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions

For an enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef with your favorite spices overnight. You can also experiment by adding other vegetables like peas or parsnips, depending on your preference.

Packed with Protein: The High-Protein Beef Stew

Enhance your beef stew by adding protein-rich ingredients like white beans or lentils. Not only do these additions boost the nutritional content, but they also add another layer of flavor and texture, making your stew even more satisfying and wholesome.

Low Carb, Full Flavor: A Delightful Take on Beef Stew

Creating a low-carb version of this stew is straightforward. Substitute potatoes with turnips or cauliflower, and you’ll maintain the heartiness of the dish without the additional carbs. These swaps are not only healthy but also bring a subtle flavor diversity to the stew.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure that it’s thoroughly heated through before serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen beef for this recipe? Yes, but cooking time may need to be increased to ensure the beef is cooked completely.
  • Can I add wine to the recipe? Certainly! Adding red wine can deepen the flavor profile of your stew.
  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely, swap beef for mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian stew.
  • What can I substitute Worcestershire sauce with? Soy sauce or tamari sauce are good substitutes if you’re out of Worcestershire sauce.

Enjoy Your Comfort in a Bowl!

Our Instant Pot Beef Stew is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting tradition. Imagine the satisfaction as you create your own flavorful bowl, share it with loved ones and invite them to revel in the warmth and deliciousness. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media or leave a comment below!

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Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for quick yet flavorful weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • beef chunks
  • carrots
  • potatoes
  • onion
  • garlic
  • tomato paste
  • beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • olive oil
  • dried thyme
  • dried rosemary
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Steps

  • Gather and prepare your ingredients: beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, broth, and spices.
  • Set the Instant Pot to sauté, add olive oil and brown the beef chunks in batches, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Remove beef and add onions, garlic, and celery; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, scraping any brown bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Return the beef to the pot, add carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, and the remaining broth.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Seal the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
  • Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing remaining pressure.
  • Serve warm with fresh parsley as garnish.

Notes

Store stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, Instant Pot