If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. It combines tender cubes of chuck roast with hearty potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich, flavorful broth that’s thickened to perfection. The magic of the Instant Pot means you get all the deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or weekend treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to comfort foods for good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that work together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each component plays its part, from the savory beef to the mix of vegetables and seasonings, ensuring every spoonful is full of soul-satisfying goodness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the meat perfectly for deeper flavor.
- Chuck Roast: The star protein, chosen for its tenderness and brisk flavor after pressure cooking.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and balancing flavors.
- Beef Stock: The flavorful liquid base that gives the stew a hearty depth.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle tang and richness that enhances the broth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex umami note that deepens the stew’s taste.
- Paprika: Offers a gentle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Minced Garlic: For aromatic warmth that complements all the savory elements.
- Thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and vegetables.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses the stew with a distinctive and subtle depth of flavor.
- Onions: Provide natural sweetness and body to the stew’s base.
- Celery: Adds an earthy crunch and balances the richness.
- Potatoes: The comforting, creamy element that soaks up all those delicious juices.
- Carrots: Bring a hint of natural sweetness and color to the pot.
- Cornstarch: Used for thickening, to give the stew a luscious, satisfying texture.
- Water: Combined with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot and Brown the Meat
Start by setting your Instant Pot on the ‘Saute High’ setting—this is the secret to building that incredible depth of flavor from the very beginning. Add the butter and let it melt fully. Once melted, season your chuck roast cubes generously with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches. Browning creates those delicious caramelized bits that make the stew super savory and rich. Remove the browned meat to a bowl and repeat until all pieces are browned.
Step 2: Combine Meat and Flavorful Ingredients
Turn off the ‘Saute’ mode and return all the browned beef to the pot. Next, pour in your beef stock, add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to blend all those savory elements together perfectly. This layering of flavors is what transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Bay Leaf
Now add your diced onions, sliced celery, cubed potatoes, and sliced carrots on top of the meat mixture. Nestle the bay leaf right on top so it can infuse all its wonderful aroma into the stew while cooking. This fresh mix of veggies adds texture, color, and natural sweetness, making this stew a complete, nourishing meal.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Stew
Seal your Instant Pot lid securely and set the pressure cooker to high for 35 minutes. This step lets the chuck roast become tender and the vegetables cook just right. The beauty of this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is how it captures that slow-cooked flavor and texture in significantly less time.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Thicken the Sauce
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure using a dish towel over the vent to protect your hands from any steam or spatter. Open the lid, remove and discard the bay leaf, then whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while stirring gently. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to thicken up that luscious gravy just right.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your stew a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—this finishing touch really brings all the flavors together. Your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is now ready to warm hearts and fill bellies.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh aroma. A dollop of sour cream or a few grinds of black pepper can also elevate the presentation and add a creamy or subtly spicy angle.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up every last drop of the rich sauce. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad or buttered egg noodles to round out the meal with extra texture and flavor contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, family-style feel, serve the stew in large bowls with a sprinkling of fresh herbs on top. Or, for a cozy dinner party, ladle it into individual mini cast iron pots or cute ramekins, making it not just delicious but charmingly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day because the flavors deepen even further. Store your stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, making sure to leave some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much of its rich flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in shorter intervals to ensure it heats evenly without drying out. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can use other stew meats like brisket or sirloin tips. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before pressure cooking?
Browning the meat adds a wonderful depth of flavor and color to the stew, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The stew will still taste good, but it won’t have quite the same richness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef stock are gluten-free, and use a gluten-free thickener such as cornstarch as indicated. This stew is naturally hearty and satisfying without gluten.
What can I substitute for potatoes if I want a lower-carb version?
Cauliflower florets or rutabaga cubes make excellent low-carb substitutes that still soak up the flavors beautifully. Just add them at the same stage you would the potatoes.
How thick should I make the stew sauce?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable. You can add more cornstarch slurry if you want it thicker or thin it with a little beef broth if it’s too dense for your taste.
Final Thoughts
Making this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is like creating a bowl of pure comfort that you and your loved ones will crave again and again. It’s easy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in the Instant Pot. When you want a cozy, satisfying meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this stew is your perfect answer. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite stew recipe!
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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful meal, featuring tender chuck roast chunks slow-cooked with fresh vegetables in a savory beef broth. With a rich tomato and Worcestershire base and a velvety thickened sauce, it’s a comforting and satisfying stew that comes together quickly using the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Meat and Fats
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 1/2 lb Chuck Roast, cut into 1” cubes
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cup Beef Stock
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 Onions, diced
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced
- 5 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 Carrots, peeled and sliced
Thickener
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot on Saute High: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Saute 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 base for browning.
- Browns the Meat: Season the chuck roast cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches in the melted butter to develop deep flavor. 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 meat and blend flavors.
- 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, 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
- For best flavor, brown the meat in batches without overcrowding the pot.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, add more cornstarch slurry gradually.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
