Instant Pot Beef Stew – a truly comforting and delicious meal featuring tender beef and wholesome vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker. Rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying, this beef stew is the ultimate hearty dish for any day of the week!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, savory bowl of beef stew to soothe the soul and warm the body, especially when the weather turns chilly. This classic comfort food evokes feelings of home and coziness, but often requires hours of simmering on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to achieve that deep, developed flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. What if you could achieve that same incredible taste and texture in a fraction of the time? Enter the Instant Pot – your culinary hero for busy weeknights and a game-changer for dishes like this.
This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe delivers all the robust flavors and tender ingredients you’d expect from a slow-cooked meal, but it’s ready in under an hour. Imagine succulent pieces of beef stew meat, perfectly cooked russet potatoes, sweet carrots, crisp celery, and earthy mushrooms, all swimming in a rich, deeply flavorful broth. The secret lies in the Instant Pot’s ability to create a high-pressure environment, dramatically cutting down cooking time while locking in moisture and intensifying flavors. It’s so good, it tastes like it’s been simmering all day, making it an instant family favorite.
Serving this hearty stew with a side of Cheesy Garlic Bread or warm Skillet Rolls elevates the meal to pure culinary bliss. The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory gravy, making for an unforgettable dining experience that’s both effortless and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to embrace the warmth and comfort of this truly exceptional Instant Pot Beef Stew!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This Instant Pot Beef Stew isn’t just another recipe; it’s a revelation for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
- Unbeatable Tenderness in Record Time: Forget waiting hours for beef to tenderize. The Instant Pot transforms tough cuts of beef into incredibly tender, fall-apart pieces in just 30 minutes of pressure cooking.
- Rich, Developed Flavor: The high-pressure environment forces flavors to meld and deepen quickly, creating a broth that tastes like it simmered all day. Browning the meat and deglazing the pot adds essential layers of savory goodness.
- One-Pot Convenience: From sautéing the beef and vegetables to pressure cooking and thickening the broth, everything happens in one pot, significantly reducing cleanup.
- Wholesome and Hearty: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like potatoes, carrots, celery, and optional mushrooms, this stew is a complete meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences. Add a splash of Guinness stout or red wine for a richer, more complex flavor, or stick with extra beef stock for a family-friendly version.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or having a comforting dinner ready on demand.
Key Ingredients for an Outstanding Stew
Crafting the perfect beef stew starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for each:
- Beef Stew Meat: Opt for chuck roast or beef round, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. These cuts are ideal for stewing as they become incredibly tender under pressure and are packed with flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- Aromatics (Onion and Garlic): These form the flavor foundation of the stew. Yellow onion adds a sweet depth when sautéed, and fresh minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Mushrooms (Optional but Recommended): Sliced white or cremini mushrooms add an umami richness that complements the beef perfectly, deepening the overall flavor profile of the broth.
- Russet Potatoes: Cut into large chunks, russet potatoes absorb the delicious broth and become wonderfully tender without disintegrating.
- Carrots and Celery: Classic stew vegetables that add sweetness, earthy notes, and essential texture. Cut them into similar large chunks as the potatoes for even cooking.
- Beef Stock: This is the liquid base of your stew. Use a good quality beef stock or broth for the best flavor.
- Red Wine or Stout Beer (Optional): A cup of Guinness stout beer or a dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) will significantly deepen the flavor and color of your broth, adding a gourmet touch.
- Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar balances the savory notes and acidity from the tomato paste, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
- Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato product adds a rich umami depth and a slight tang, thickening the sauce and contributing to its vibrant color.
- Bay Leaf: A single bay leaf infuses the stew with a subtle, aromatic herbal note that is classic in traditional stews.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs or dried thyme add a woody, earthy aroma and flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
- Cornstarch and Water: Whisked together, this slurry is used at the end of cooking to thicken the stew to your desired consistency, creating a luxurious, clinging sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew
Making this comforting beef stew in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by ensuring the stainless steel insert is correctly placed in your Instant Pot. Cut carrots and potatoes into large, uniform chunks. Dice the celery and onion, and thinly slice your mushrooms. Mince the garlic cloves. Season your beef stew meat generously with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Select the “Saute” setting on your Instant Pot. Allow it to heat for about 2 minutes, then add olive oil. Place the seasoned beef stew meat in a single layer in the hot pot, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meat for 4 to 5 minutes on all sides until a nice crust forms. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the Instant Pot. Stir well, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, adds immense flavor and helps prevent the “burn” message. Sauté the vegetables until the onions are almost translucent, about 3-5 minutes. If needed, add about ¼ cup of beef stock to help deglaze thoroughly. Press the “Cancel/Off” button to turn off the Sauté function.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir gently to combine. Pour in the Guinness stout beer or red wine (if using), followed by the remaining beef stock. Add the brown sugar and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to integrate. Place the bay leaf and fresh thyme sprigs on top of the mixture.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 30 minutes on HIGH pressure. It will take approximately 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
- Natural Pressure Release (NPR): For the most tender beef, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally once the cooking cycle is complete. This means letting the pressure drop on its own without intervention. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can do a partial natural release for 7 to 10 minutes, then switch the valve to “Venting” for a quick release.
- Thicken the Stew: Carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid steam. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth slurry forms. Add this cornstarch mixture to the hot stew in the Instant Pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Ladle the hot Instant Pot Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Card: Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Beef Stew
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is delicious, easy, and made with tender beef and hearty vegetables. Rich in flavor, this beef stew is pure comfort food!
Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Coming to Pressure: 10 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 432 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 white mushrooms, washed and sliced (optional)
- 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup Guinness stout beer or red wine (optional)
- 3 cups beef stock (plus ¼ cup for deglazing if needed)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Ensure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot.
- Prepare carrots and potatoes by cutting them into large chunks. Dice celery, onion, and slice mushrooms. Mince garlic. Season meat with salt and pepper.
- Press “Saute” setting. After 2 minutes, add olive oil. Place stew meat in the Instant Pot and brown for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove onto a plate.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Sauté until onions are almost translucent. Add ¼ cup beef stock to deglaze the bottom of the pot thoroughly. Press “Cancel/Off”.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and meat back into the pot. Stir. Add Guinness stout beer (if using) and remaining beef stock. Stir in brown sugar and tomato paste. Place bay leaf and fresh thyme on top.
- Close lid, set valve to “Sealing”. Ensure Instant Pot is set to HIGH pressure. Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook”. Set timer to 30 minutes. (Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure).
- For best results, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally. If in a hurry, wait 7 to 10 minutes, then switch valve to “Venting” for a quick release.
- Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.
- Open the lid carefully. Add the cornstarch mixture to the stew and stir well until thickened to your desired consistency. Remove bay leaf and thyme before serving.
Video
Notes
- Please note that nutrition values can vary based on specific products used. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise figures.
- If not using stout beer or red wine, simply use an additional cup of beef stock to maintain liquid levels.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 893mg | Potassium: 1793mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 7940IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 5.7mg
Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew
While the Instant Pot simplifies the process, a few expert tips can elevate your beef stew from great to absolutely exceptional:
Do I Have to Brown the Meat Before Pressure Cooking?
While technically you *can* skip this step and still have a decent stew, browning the meat is highly recommended and adds a significant depth of flavor. When beef is seared, the Maillard reaction occurs, creating complex savory notes and a rich brown crust that translates into a more flavorful stew broth. It only takes a few extra minutes and makes a big difference. If you’re truly pressed for time, you can place everything in the Instant Pot and cook, but you’ll sacrifice some flavor development.
Why Natural Pressure Release (NPR) is Key for Tender Beef
The cooking time of 30 minutes on HIGH pressure is designed to make the beef incredibly tender. For best results, I always recommend letting the Instant Pot release pressure naturally (NPR). This slow release allows the meat to rest and reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more succulent and consistently tender texture. A quick release can sometimes make the meat tougher or drier because of the sudden change in pressure. If you’re short on time, a partial NPR (waiting 7-10 minutes before venting manually) is a good compromise.
Deglazing the Pot to Avoid the “Burn” Message
After browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, you’ll notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. It’s crucial to “deglaze” the pot by adding a splash of liquid (like beef stock or wine) and scraping these bits off with a wooden spoon. This not only incorporates all that flavorful goodness into your stew but also prevents the dreaded “Burn” message, which often occurs when food is stuck to the bottom, causing uneven heating.
Thickening Your Stew to Perfection
The cornstarch slurry is your friend for achieving that perfect, comforting stew consistency. Whisking cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot stew ensures a smooth, lump-free thickening. Add it at the end, after pressure cooking, and stir until the stew reaches your desired thickness. For a richer, glossy finish, some cooks prefer to use a roux (butter and flour) made at the beginning, but cornstarch is quicker and easier.
Adding Depth with Wine or Beer
The optional addition of Guinness stout beer or red wine isn’t just for flavor; it contributes to the acidity that helps tenderize the beef and create a more complex, well-rounded broth. The alcohol cooks off during the pressure cooking process, leaving behind only its rich essence. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute with an equal amount of beef stock.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Stew
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with the right side dish can make it even more delightful. Here are some popular suggestions:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: As mentioned, Cheesy Garlic Bread or warm Skillet Rolls are perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich gravy.
- Mashed Potatoes: If your stew isn’t already loaded with potatoes, a side of creamy mashed potatoes makes an excellent companion.
- Rice or Noodles: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles for another satisfying option.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about beef stew is that it often tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Cool the stew completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Yes, this stew freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, spoon the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date.
- Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, transfer the frozen stew to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. To reheat in the Instant Pot, place the thawed stew with about 1 cup of water or beef stock into the pot. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 5-10 minutes on HIGH pressure, followed by a quick release. Stir well before serving.
More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes to Explore
Once you’ve mastered this incredible beef stew, you’ll undoubtedly want to explore more possibilities with your Instant Pot. Here are some other fantastic recipes that make weeknight cooking a breeze:
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich
- Instant Pot Meatloaf
If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners for essential tips and tricks. And if you’ve ever encountered the dreaded “burn” message, my Instant Pot Burn Message post provides valuable insights on how to troubleshoot and prevent this common issue.
If you tried this recipe and loved it, we’d be thrilled to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can admire your delicious work and leave a comment! Happy cooking!