This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, bursting with melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender veggies, and a savory, aromatic broth that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. If you’re searching for a hearty meal that comes together easily yet tastes like it simmered all day, this is the one! In less than half the time of traditional methods, your kitchen will smell incredible and everyone will be clamoring for seconds. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave a fuss-free, satisfying dinner, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is about to become a new favorite in your rotation.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this stew: every ingredient is carefully selected for its flavor, color, and the cozy factor it brings to your bowl. These essentials all contribute to that luscious, homey stew you’ll want to scoop up by the spoonful.

Beef chuck roast: Marbled and flavorful, chuck roast becomes unbelievably tender in the Instant Pot.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the beef for an unbeatable depth of flavor.
Onion: Gives the stew a savory-sweet backbone and blends seamlessly into the broth.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
Beef broth: Forms the base of the stew, making each bite juicy and rich.
Tomato paste: Adds tanginess and color, balancing the stew’s robust flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Amps up the umami, giving it that old-school stew flavor we all love.
Dried thyme: Compliments the beef beautifully and adds herby notes.
Dried rosemary: Delivers piney, woodsy aromas perfect for stews.
Paprika: Provides smokiness and a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat.
Carrots: Sweet and colorful, they soften beautifully and make each bowl brighter.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and tender, they absorb all those meaty juices.
Celery: Adds gentle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening up your stew to a luxurious texture.
Cold water: Helps create a smooth cornstarch slurry for thickening.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of color and freshness to finish, if desired.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Kicking things off, crank your Instant Pot to sauté and get that olive oil shimmering. Work in batches to brown the cubes of beef on all sides—instead of crowding the pot at once. This step isn’t just for color; it locks in the beef’s juices and raises your flavor stakes incredibly high. Set the browned beef aside for now (and sneak a taste if you must, I won’t tell!).

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With all that beefy flavor left in the pot, toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the onions start turning translucent and the garlic smells absolutely divine. You’re building up layers of flavor that’ll pay off in every spoonful.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

Return your browned beef—and any accumulated juices—back into the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where everything starts coming together and begins to smell as if you’ve been cooking all day. Pour in that rich beef broth and give it all a good stir to make sure nothing’s stuck to the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Now, layer the carrots, diced potatoes, and celery gently on top of the meat mixture. Don’t worry about stirring; these veggies will nestle down as the stew cooks. They’ll soak up all those savory flavors for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Lock the Instant Pot lid, check the seal, and set your machine to manual high pressure for 35 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Forget about babysitting a simmering pot—the Instant Pot does all the work here, transforming everything into a dreamy, stew-like perfection.

Step 6: Release Pressure and Thicken

Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes; this helps the beef stay extra tender. Then, do a quick release for any remaining pressure—be mindful of the steam! To thicken, mix the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew. Return to sauté mode for 5 minutes until the broth thickens luxuriously.

Step 7: Taste, Adjust, and Finish

Give your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe a final taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed—the stew will happily soak up a little more seasoning at this point. Just before serving, toss in chopped fresh parsley for that hint of brightness and inviting finishing touch. Now, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Doesn’t it look incredible?

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a dusting of fresh parsley or chives over the top of your beef stew. It might seem like a small detail, but a sprinkle of bright green makes the whole bowl pop and adds a welcome hint of freshness. If you love a little zest, try a crack of black pepper or even a lemon zest for an unexpected twist.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is absolutely soul-soothing as is, but it also plays well with others. Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread or flaky rolls to mop up all that savory broth. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the stew’s richness perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted root veggies are wonderful if you want to keep things cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, try ladling your beef stew into mini bread bowls for a rustic dinner-party vibe or offer it over creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower for a hearty twist. Individual serving crocks topped with herbed croutons or a sprinkle of cheese make a fun, comforting presentation for guests or family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Great news: beef stew gets even better the next day! Let leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The herb-infused broth deepens in flavor, and the veggies soak up even more savory goodness, making this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This stew is a dream for the freezer. Cool completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers or zip bags (leave a little room for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a supremely easy meal whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, give it a blast in the microwave (cover the bowl to avoid splatters). Add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew seems a bit thick—the flavors will still be just as rich and wonderful.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is classic for its tenderness and flavor, you can swap in stew meat, brisket, or even short ribs if that’s what you have. Keep in mind that leaner cuts will be a bit less rich, but the Instant Pot works wonders on almost any cut.

How can I make this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is already naturally gluten-free as long as your cornstarch and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. Always double-check your labels just to be safe, and you’ll have a stew everyone can enjoy.

Can I add or substitute other vegetables?

Definitely! Root veggies like parsnips, turnips, or rutabaga can easily stand in for potatoes or carrots. You can also add mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or peas—just add delicate vegetables closer to the end of cooking to keep their texture.

Do I need to adjust the recipe for a larger Instant Pot?

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is written for a standard 6-quart pot, but it scales up nicely for an 8-quart. Just make sure not to fill past the “Max” line. Cooking time stays the same; only increase the ingredients as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?

Absolutely! This stew actually improves as it sits. Make it a day ahead, let it cool, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently and finish with fresh parsley and sides of your choice for a no-stress dinner that tastes like it took all afternoon.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one dish that always delivers cozy vibes and happy bellies, it’s this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. From the first savory spoonful to the last drop mopped up with a hunk of bread, this hearty stew is comfort cooking at its absolute best. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your own delicious memories!

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth come together in this easy-to-make stew.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stew:

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Vegetables:

4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
2 stalks celery, sliced

Thickening Agent:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the beef cubes in batches on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until softened.
Add Ingredients: Return beef to the pot, add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth, add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot, set to manual high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
Thicken Stew: Mix cornstarch and water, stir into stew. Simmer on sauté mode for 5 minutes.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions.
You can substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon Golds if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American