Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is a classic comfort dish that typically requires hours of slow cooking to achieve tender meat and rich flavors. But thanks to the Instant Pot, you can get all those delicious, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time! This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a warm, hearty meal without the wait. The pressure cooker helps break down the tough cuts of beef and infuses the vegetables with deep, savory flavors, resulting in a satisfying stew that’s ready in about an hour. Read on to learn how to make this easy and delicious beef stew in your Instant Pot, plus tips, variations, and serving ideas!

this Recipe

What is Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a quick and easy version of the traditional beef stew, cooked using a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot drastically reduces the cooking time while still delivering tender beef, soft vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The pressure cooking method locks in flavor and moisture, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding the family, meal prepping, or enjoying leftovers the next day!

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful beef stew in the Instant Pot:

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat (such as chuck roast or brisket), cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• ½ cup red wine (optional, for flavor depth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Customize your Instant Pot Beef Stew with these substitutions and variations:

1. Beef Alternatives: While beef stew meat is ideal, you can substitute it with ground beef for a quicker option or try cubed lamb or pork for a different flavor.
2. Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix things up by adding mushrooms, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips to the stew. You can also toss in greens like spinach or kale at the end for a boost of nutrients.
3. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free stew, skip the flour or use cornstarch for thickening. Dissolve the cornstarch in cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
4. No Wine? No Problem: If you prefer to skip the wine, replace it with extra beef broth, or use balsamic vinegar for a little added richness.
5. Slow Cooker Variation: Don’t have an Instant Pot? You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make a delicious and tender beef stew in your Instant Pot.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it heat up. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot). Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. This step helps build rich flavor in the stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With the Instant Pot still on Sauté mode, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Flour

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the paste to caramelize slightly, which enhances the depth of flavor. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. The flour will help thicken the stew as it cooks.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot with Wine

Pour in the red wine (if using), stirring to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any remaining bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If you're skipping the wine, just use some of the beef broth to deglaze the pot.

Step 5: Add Beef and Broth

Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine everything.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to the Sealing position. Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 35 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Add Potatoes and Peas

Carefully open the lid and add the diced potatoes to the stew. Stir to combine. If using frozen peas, add them at this stage as well. Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 8: Thicken and Adjust

If the stew needs further thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if necessary.

How to Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break it down:

1. Brown the Beef: Sauté the beef for added flavor.
2. Cook Vegetables: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Flour: This helps thicken the stew and intensify the flavors.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Add wine to scrape up the browned bits, or use broth.
5. Pressure Cook: Add beef, broth, and seasonings, then cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
6. Add Potatoes: Stir in the potatoes and cook on Sauté mode until tender.
7. Thicken: If needed, use a flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Browning the Beef: Browning adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step! It’s worth the extra few minutes.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming the meat instead of searing it.
• Not Scraping the Bottom of the Pot: When deglazing, make sure to scrape up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This prevents the “burn” warning on the Instant Pot.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Add the potatoes at the end so they don’t get mushy from pressure cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef stew is a rustic dish, but you can still serve it with flair. Here’s how:

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

• With Crusty Bread: Serve your stew with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth.
• Over Mashed Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
• With Rice or Polenta: Stew served over rice or polenta makes for a comforting and filling meal.
• In Bread Bowls: Serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and satisfying presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve in Individual Bowls: Ladle the stew into individual bowls and add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a touch of salty richness to each bowl.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat Gently: To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat or use the Instant Pot

’s Sauté setting.

• Adjust the Thickness: If your stew is too thick, add more broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A: It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking for even browning and faster cooking. If using frozen beef, you may need to increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the “Burn” warning on my Instant Pot?
A: Ensure you scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot when deglazing with wine or broth. This helps prevent the Instant Pot from giving a “burn” warning during pressure cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe without wine?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the wine with additional beef broth, or use balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

Q: How long should I let the pressure naturally release?
A: Let the Instant Pot naturally release for about 10 minutes. After that, manually release the remaining pressure by switching the valve to Venting.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate quick and comforting meal, packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory flavors. In just about an hour, you’ll have a satisfying, homemade meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this beef stew is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and coziness of this classic dish—Instant Pot style!

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