Instant Pot Beef Stew
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich and savory broth.
The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy to prepare, while still delivering that slow-cooked depth of flavor.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a warm, flavorful stew that’s ready in no time—ideal for cozy dinners or a satisfying family meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Instant Pot Beef Stew because it delivers all the comfort of a slow-cooked meal in a fraction of the time.
The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth create a perfect balance of flavors, while the Instant Pot ensures that everything cooks evenly and quickly.
It’s incredibly easy to make, yet the result is a rich, flavorful stew that feels like it’s been simmering for hours.
With minimal prep and hands-on time, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers!
Key Ingredients:
Beef Stew Meat: The main protein in this dish, providing rich, tender bites that absorb the savory flavors of the stew.
Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef, adding depth and flavor to the stew base.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory flavor of the beef and vegetables.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth that complements the beef and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics form the flavor foundation, giving the stew a fragrant, savory base.
Baby Carrots & Potatoes: Provide sweetness, texture, and heartiness, making the stew a complete and satisfying meal.
Beef Broth: The liquid base that ties all the ingredients together, adding a rich, meaty flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Offers a mild acidity and sweetness that balances the rich beef broth.
Cornstarch & Water: Used to thicken the stew at the end, giving it a smooth and hearty consistency.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds beef stew meat
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 16-ounce bag baby carrots, sliced
1 pound potatoes, cubed
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 10-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Set the Instant Pot to the “sauté” function and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef stew meat and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the meat on all sides until browned.
Pour in the beef broth and gently scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a spoon.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and tomato sauce.
Close the lid and seal the steam valve. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before doing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Notes:
Browning the Beef: Don’t skip the browning step—it adds rich flavor to the stew and helps to build depth. Be sure to sear the beef in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can prevent proper browning.
Vegetable Options: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on your preference. Celery, parsnips, or peas are great additions to this stew. Just be sure to keep the total amount of vegetables consistent with the recipe.
Beef Stew Meat: If you want even more tenderness, you can use a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast and cut it into chunks yourself. The Instant Pot will break down the connective tissue, making it incredibly tender.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water, or let the stew simmer on “saute” for a few extra minutes after releasing pressure.
Broth Flavor: For extra flavor, consider using homemade beef broth or adding a beef bouillon cube to the broth to intensify the stew’s savory base.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more broth if it thickens too much while stored.
Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes helps the beef stay tender and the flavors to meld more thoroughly.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 380 | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 750mg | Potassium: 1000mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat, but it will require extra time to cook.
It’s recommended to thaw it before cooking for the best results, though you can cook it from frozen in the Instant Pot by adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I substitute the potatoes with other vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute potatoes with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, turnips, or parsnips.
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable.
How do I make the stew spicier?
To add heat, you can include ingredients like red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the seasonings.
Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch, but avoid exceeding the Instant Pot’s maximum capacity.
Ensure that the liquid amount is sufficient, as the pressure cooker needs adequate moisture to cook properly.
Can I make this stew in advance and reheat it?
Absolutely! This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or brisket, which will become tender when cooked under pressure.
Just cut them into chunks, and they’ll work just as well as stew meat.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like celery, peas, parsnips, or even mushrooms.
Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables.
Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes will cook perfectly in the Instant Pot, while more delicate vegetables may require less time.
What should I do if the stew is too thin after cooking?
If the stew is too thin, you can make a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little cold water) and stir it in.
Then, set the Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I skip browning the beef?
While browning the beef adds flavor and depth to the stew, you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
The stew will still taste good, but browning creates a more complex flavor profile.
How do I store leftover stew?
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a bit of beef broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.