Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Flash

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when crafting this hearty instant pot beef stew that brings comfort straight to the dinner table.

Tender chunks of meat practically melt between your teeth, releasing rich flavors developed through careful slow cooking.

Cold evenings demand warm, satisfying meals that fill empty stomachs and create lasting memories.

Robust beef mingles with soft potatoes and vibrant vegetables, creating a one-pot wonder that simplifies meal preparation.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this straightforward recipe designed for busy home cooks seeking delicious solutions.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of savory ingredients that dance across your palate with remarkable depth.

Warm up and satisfy your hunger with this incredible stew that feels like a culinary hug.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will devour.

Why Instant Pot Beef Stew Is Hearty And Easy

• Speed Up Cooking: With the Instant Pot, this hearty beef stew transforms from a long, traditional stovetop recipe into a quick 35-minute pressure cooking adventure, saving precious time without sacrificing deep, rich flavors.
• Foolproof Flavor Development: The step-by-step method of searing beef, sautéing aromatics, and deglazing ensures maximum taste complexity, making it nearly impossible to mess up this comforting one-pot meal that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: By using a single Instant Pot for searing, sautéing, and pressure cooking, this recipe dramatically reduces kitchen mess, giving you a restaurant-quality stew with minimal dishes to wash afterwards – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend cooking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and robust seasonings, this stew delivers a warming, satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family dinner that brings everyone together around the table.

What Goes Into Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Beef Chuck Roast: A tender, flavorful cut perfect for slow-cooking stews, providing rich meaty texture and depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds sweet and pungent notes to the stew.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring earthy and bright aromatic elements to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Carrots, Potatoes, Celery: Hearty root vegetables that provide texture, sweetness, and nutritional value to the stew.

• Beef Broth: Provides rich liquid base and enhances the meat's natural flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing meat and sautéing vegetables, adding a smooth background taste.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and slight acidity.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the rich, meaty flavors.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the stew and create a smooth, rich texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all other flavors.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the overall dish.

How To Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Quickly

Step 1: Prep and Sizzle the Beef

Brown the beef by patting it dry and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using Saute mode, creating a sizzling surface. Work in batches to ensure each piece develops a rich, golden crust. This caramelization builds deep flavor for the stew. Transfer each batch to a separate plate once perfectly browned.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Fresh thyme
• Fragrant rosemary
• Warm paprika

Stir quickly to prevent burning, letting the spices bloom and fill the kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Chunky carrots
• Cubed potatoes
• Crisp celery

Tuck in a bay leaf for an extra layer of complexity.

Step 4: Lock in the Magic

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to High Pressure. Cook for 35 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize. Once complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Remove the bay leaf. Splash in balsamic vinegar for a bright, tangy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve piping hot in deep bowls, perfect for a comforting meal.

Tips To Get The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Perfectly Sear Meat: Pat beef dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a deep, golden-brown crust that locks in incredible flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Mix cornstarch or additional flour if you prefer a thicker stew, adjusting the sauce's texture right before serving for your ideal comfort food experience.
• Vegetable Swap Technique: Replace root vegetables with seasonal alternatives like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to keep the recipe exciting and match your current produce availability.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during deglazing to introduce complex, rich undertones that elevate the traditional beef stew profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stew in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious meal when reheated the next day.

How To Store Instant Pot Beef Stew Without Drying Out

• Seal leftover beef stew in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Cool the stew completely before transferring to storage containers, which helps maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
• Stored properly in the refrigerator, this hearty stew will keep well for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.
• Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Pro tip: Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to restore the stew's original moisture and prevent drying out.

Perfect Pairings With Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, hearty beef stew with a full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot. The wine's bold flavors will match the deep, savory notes of the stew, creating a luxurious dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or french baguette to soak up the delicious stew broth. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will perfectly balance the tender beef and vegetables.
• Match with Creamy Horseradish Slaw: Create a tangy side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy horseradish dressing. The cool, zesty slaw will cut through the stew's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Enjoy with Amber Craft Beer: Select a malty amber ale or brown ale that echoes the stew's deep, caramelized flavors. The beer's slight sweetness and gentle carbonation will enhance the overall meal's complexity.

Tasty Variations Of Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Rustic Ranch Beef Stew: Swap thyme and rosemary with ranch seasoning mix. Add corn kernels and swap balsamic vinegar for buttermilk for a Southern-style flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace traditional herbs with oregano, basil, and mint. Include diced bell peppers and kalamata olives. Finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Southwest Stew: Incorporate chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder. Add black beans and corn. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra zest.
• Root Vegetable Harvest Stew: Include parsnips and turnips alongside carrots and potatoes. Sprinkle smoked paprika for depth. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an earthy undertone.

FAQs About Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Why sear the beef before pressure cooking?

Searing locks in rich flavors and creates a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth to the stew. The browned bits also help develop a more complex taste profile.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast or stew meat work best because they have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during pressure cooking. Leaner cuts might turn out tough and dry.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs are perfectly fine! Just use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

• How do I know the beef is properly seared?

The meat should have a deep golden-brown color and develop a nice crust. Don’t overcrowd the pot during searing, as this will steam the meat instead of browning it. Work in batches for the best results.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef stew simmers with tender chunks of meat, robust vegetables, and rich broth, creating a comforting one-pot meal. Silky textures and deep flavors invite warmth to your table, promising a satisfying dinner you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil. Methodically brown the beef in multiple batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer the seared meat to a separate plate.
2. Without cleaning the pot, add a touch more oil and gently sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden. Introduce minced garlic, tomato paste, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Allow the aromatics to bloom and release their fragrant oils for a brief moment.
3. Sprinkle flour over the aromatic mixture, stirring to create a light roux. Gradually pour in beef broth, using a wooden spoon to dissolve the flavorful browned bits clinging to the pot’s bottom. Return the seared beef to the liquid and incorporate chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, and a bay leaf. Gently mix all components to ensure even distribution.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid and program to high-pressure cooking mode. Allow the stew to cook for approximately 35 minutes, creating a tender and rich environment for the ingredients to meld. Once complete, permit a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
5. Unveil the stew and stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the hearty stew piping hot.

Notes

• Achieve a deep, rich flavor by thoroughly searing the beef, creating a caramelized exterior that locks in juices and adds complexity to the stew.
• Customize the texture by cutting vegetables into uniform sizes, ensuring even cooking and a consistent mouthfeel throughout the dish.
• Enhance dietary flexibility by substituting beef with mushroom-based protein for a vegetarian version or using lean cuts for a lower-fat option.
• Maximize flavor development by allowing the stew to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, letting the ingredients meld and intensify their taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg