Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe for a Filling Weeknight Meal

Cold winter nights call for a comforting instant pot beef stew that warms both body and soul.

Tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth with each savory bite.

The rich, robust flavors develop quickly in the pressure cooker, infusing every ingredient with deep, satisfying warmth.

Robust root vegetables add texture and nutrition to this classic one-pot meal.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary hug.

Minimal prep work means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying this hearty dish.

Serve this stew with crusty bread, and watch as everyone at the table asks for seconds.

What Goes In Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Chuck Roast: Rich, marbled cut ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with deep flavor complexity.
• Salt: Enhances meat's natural taste and helps create delicious caramelization during searing.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to complement the beef's richness.

• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational base that adds depth and complexity to the stew.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent notes that elevate the overall taste profile.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates umami flavor and adds rich, slightly tangy undertone.
• Thyme: Delivers earthy, herbal notes that complement the meat's richness.
• Rosemary: Brings pine-like, woodsy aroma that enhances the stew's rustic character.
• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet undertones with mild pepper complexity.
• Flour: Helps thicken the stew and creates silky, luxurious texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy finish that balances the stew's richness.

• Beef Broth: Creates foundational liquid base with intense meat flavor.
• Carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• Potatoes: Provides hearty, starchy element that absorbs surrounding flavors.
• Celery: Adds subtle pepper-like crispness and aromatic undertone.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts delicate, herbal background note during cooking.

Tools You’ll Want For Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Instant Pot: Essential for quick, pressure-cooking the beef stew with precision.
• Heavy-bottomed pot or pan: Perfect for searing beef and creating deep, rich flavors.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Steps To Prepare Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Brown the Meat

Grab your beef and give it a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Fire up the Instant Pot to sizzle mode and drizzle in some olive oil. Work in batches to get each piece golden and crispy, creating those delicious caramelized edges that make stew irresistible.

• Build the Flavor Base

Toss chopped onions into the pot and let them dance until soft and translucent. Tumble in minced garlic and a dollop of tomato paste, then shake in herbs that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Stir everything quickly to prevent burning.

• Combine and Pressurize

Dust the mixture with flour to help thicken the sauce, then slowly pour in beef broth while scraping up those tasty browned bits. Drop in chunky vegetables and return the seared meat to the pot. Lock the lid and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

• Cook and Release

Set the pressure cooker for 35 minutes of intense cooking. Once done, let the pressure naturally drop for about 10 minutes before releasing any remaining steam. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Final Touches

Swirl in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. Pull out the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in.

Tips For Making Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results. Trim excess fat but keep some for rich flavor development.
• Searing Secrets: Pat beef dry before searing to achieve deep golden-brown crust. Work in small batches to prevent steaming and ensure maximum caramelization.
• Liquid Leverage: Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels. For extra depth, replace half the broth with red wine or dark beer for robust flavor profile.
• Vegetable Versatility: Swap root vegetables based on seasonal availability. Consider parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes as delicious alternative options.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower chunks or radishes for a keto-friendly version. Use cornstarch substitute or xanthan gum for thickening instead of traditional flour.

Ways To Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty beef stew with crusty French bread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits to soak up all the delicious gravy.
• Rustic Comfort Plate: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Fresh Green Touch: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a bright, herbal garnish that adds color and subtle freshness to the rich stew.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches the stew's deep, savory profile.

How To Store Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Meal Planning & Storage Wisdom
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick, hearty meals during busy weeks. Separate stew into airtight containers, leaving slight space for expansion.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooled stew in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or lower to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Will maintain excellent quality for 23 months when properly sealed and stored at 0°F.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in saucepan over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth to restore original consistency and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty beef stew with tender meat and rich vegetables simmers perfectly in this classic Instant Pot comfort dish. Warm, comforting flavors meld together for a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cubed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Searing: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode, add olive oil, and meticulously brown the meat in batches to develop a caramelized crust. Set aside the seared pieces.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent. Introduce garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and paprika, allowing the aromatics to release their intense flavors and create a robust base.
3. Liquid Integration: Dust flour over the aromatic mixture to create a light roux. Pour beef broth, scraping the pot’s bottom to incorporate the deeply flavored browned bits. Reintroduce the seared beef and add carrots, potatoes, celery, and a bay leaf, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Pressure Cooking: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to high-pressure mode. Cook for 35 minutes, allowing the ingredients to tenderize and meld their flavors. Execute a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
5. Finishing Touches: Stir in balsamic vinegar to elevate the stew’s complexity. Adjust seasonings to taste, discard the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve the rich, comforting stew immediately.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure each beef piece is thoroughly dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, which locks in flavor and creates deeper caramelization.
• Choose Beef Cut Wisely: Select chuck roast or beef stew meat with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, avoiding lean cuts that might become tough during pressure cooking.
• Control Liquid Levels: Add just enough beef broth to cover ingredients, preventing excess liquid that could dilute the stew’s intense flavor profile and potentially create a watery consistency.
• Prevent Vegetable Mushiness: Cut root vegetables like carrots and potatoes into larger, uniform chunks to maintain texture and prevent them from disintegrating during the high-pressure cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg