Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of beef stew on a chilly day. The rich, hearty flavors combined with tender chunks of beef and perfectly cooked vegetables make it an all-time favorite. But let’s be honest—traditional beef stew takes hours to cook. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in!
With pressure cooking technology, you can enjoy the same depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a fraction of the time. This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best Instant Pot beef stew—from choosing the right cut of beef to the best thickening methods, cooking times, and variations to suit your taste.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Fast & Convenient – Cooks in under an hour, compared to the traditional slow-cooked version.
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – Pressure cooking locks in moisture and deepens the taste.
✔️ Customizable – Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Before we start cooking, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this hearty and flavorful beef stew.
Main Ingredients:
- Beef – 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or stew meat)
- Carrots – 3 large, sliced into thick rounds
- Potatoes – 3 medium Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and diced
- Onion – 1 large, chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Beef broth – 4 cups (low sodium preferred)
- Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon (for umami flavor)
- Flour or cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for browning the beef)
- Salt & black pepper – To taste
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
- Red wine – ½ cup (adds depth to the stew)
- Bay leaf – 1 (for a subtle herbal note)
- Rosemary & thyme – Fresh or dried
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Frozen peas – ½ cup (added at the end)
Tip: Chuck roast is the best cut of beef for stew because it becomes super tender under pressure cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Beef Stew
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious and comforting beef stew.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Once hot, add the beef cubes, season with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
Why brown the beef? This step adds richness and depth to the stew by creating a deep caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
For more beef cooking tips, check out Smoking Beef Chuck Roast for Tacos.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in ½ cup of red wine or ½ cup of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- This prevents the “Burn” warning from appearing and enhances the flavor.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery (if using), beef broth, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme.
- Stir everything together.
If you’re looking for other slow-cooking meats, check out the Best Cut of Venison for Pot Roast for inspiration.
Instant Pot Cooking Times for Perfect Beef Stew
The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it drastically reduces cooking time while still giving you the tender, slow-cooked taste you love. Here’s how long each component takes to cook:
Pressure Cooking Times
- Beef (Chuck Roast or Stew Meat) – 35 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release
- Potatoes & Carrots – Cook perfectly within the same 35-minute timeframe
- Frozen Peas (if using) – Stir in after cooking, using the residual heat
How to Adjust Cooking Time
- For softer vegetables: Add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- For larger beef chunks: Increase the cook time to 40 minutes for extra tenderness.
Pro Tip: Always use natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes before opening the Instant Pot. This prevents the meat from becoming tough due to a sudden pressure drop.
If you’re curious about how beef tenderizes during cooking, check out this guide on Does Pot Roast Get More Tender the Longer It Cooks? for some great insights.
The Secret to a Thick and Flavorful Stew
A great beef stew has a rich, thick broth that coats every bite. Here are a few ways to thicken your stew:
Method 1: Cornstarch Slurry (Best Option)
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water.
- Stir the slurry into the stew after pressure cooking.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Method 2: Flour Roux (For a Heartier Texture)
- Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with an equal amount of melted butter.
- Stir into the stew after cooking and simmer for a few minutes.
Method 3: Mash the Potatoes
- Remove a few potatoes and mash them with a fork.
- Stir the mashed potatoes back into the stew to naturally thicken it.
Pro Tip: If the stew is too thick, add a little extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Without a Recipe
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can easily customize your beef stew based on what you have on hand!
Base Formula for Any Instant Pot Stew
✅ Protein – Beef, chicken, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian version
✅ Vegetables – Carrots, potatoes, celery, mushrooms, peas, or any hearty veggie
✅ Broth – Beef broth, chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even water with bouillon
✅ Thickener – Cornstarch, flour, mashed potatoes, or blended vegetables
✅ Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, paprika, or cumin
By following this formula, you can make a different variation of stew every time!
Variations and Add-Ins for Your Beef Stew
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
Low-Carb & Keto Version
- Swap out potatoes for turnips, cauliflower, or zucchini
- Use xanthan gum instead of flour/cornstarch for thickening
Wine-Infused Beef Stew
- Replace 1 cup of beef broth with red wine for a richer taste
Spicy Kick
- Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder
Mediterranean-Style Stew
- Stir in olives, chickpeas, and sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist
Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Which is Better?
Both the Instant Pot and the slow cooker are great for making beef stew, but they each have their advantages. Let’s compare:
| Feature | Instant Pot | Slow Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 35-40 minutes | 6-8 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high) |
| Flavor Development | Intensifies flavors due to pressure | Slow simmering creates deep flavors |
| Ease of Use | One-pot meal with sauté & pressure functions | Set it and forget it |
| Texture of Beef | Super tender in under an hour | Extremely tender over long hours |
| Best For | Quick, last-minute meals | Meal prepping or cooking while away |
Verdict: If you’re short on time, Instant Pot wins. If you love low-and-slow simmering flavors, go for the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
A hearty bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes makes it even better!
Bread Options
- Crusty French Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich broth
- Garlic Bread – Adds extra flavor
- Cornbread – A slightly sweet contrast to the savory stew
Grains & Pasta
- White or Brown Rice – Absorbs the delicious stew flavors
- Egg Noodles – A comforting, noodle-based version
- Quinoa or Barley – A healthy and hearty option
Fresh Sides
- Simple Green Salad – Adds a refreshing balance
- Roasted Vegetables – Complement the flavors of the stew
- Pickles or Sauerkraut – A tangy contrast to the rich broth
Pro Tip: If serving with bread, toast it with butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra tasty pairing!
Pair your Instant Pot Beef Stew with a side of Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Beef stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
Refrigerating
- Let the stew cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Pro Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function for quick reheating.
Note: If the stew thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth while reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Beef Stew
Even with an Instant Pot, there are a few mistakes that can ruin your beef stew. Here’s how to avoid them!
1- Using the Wrong Cut of Beef
- Mistake: Choosing lean cuts like sirloin or round steak, which become tough.
- Fix: Use chuck roast or stew meat for the most tender texture.
2- Skipping the Browning Step
- Mistake: Tossing raw beef directly into the Instant Pot.
- Fix: Sauté the beef first for a richer, more complex flavor.
3- Overcooking or Undercooking Vegetables
- Mistake: Adding all veggies at the beginning can make them mushy.
- Fix: Add softer vegetables (peas, green beans) after pressure cooking.
4- Not Using Enough Liquid
- Mistake: Too little broth can cause the Instant Pot to burn.
- Fix: Always use at least 1.5 to 2 cups of liquid to prevent burning.
5- Not Allowing Natural Pressure Release (NPR)
- Mistake: Quick-releasing the pressure right away.
- Fix: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the stew sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking before serving—it allows the flavors to blend even better!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen beef?
Yes! Just skip the browning step and increase the cooking time to 45 minutes on high pressure.
2. How do I make this stew gluten-free?
- Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the stew.
- Double-check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
3. Can I double the recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but do not exceed the MAX fill line! The Instant Pot needs space for pressure to build.
4. Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, parsnips, and even sweet potatoes are great additions.
5. How do I make it dairy-free?
This stew is already dairy-free, but avoid adding butter if using the flour thickening method.
6. What’s the best way to add more depth of flavor?
- Use red wine to deglaze the pot.
- Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar at the end for richness.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme instead of dried.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. With tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a dish your whole family will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for later, or just craving something warm and cozy, this stew is easy, customizable, and foolproof!
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. What’s your favorite variation? Drop a comment below!
