If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing that rich, slow-cooked flavor, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is your new best friend. Loaded with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious, thick broth, this stew captures all the warmth and satisfaction of a classic dish but in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to lock in deep, savory flavors while keeping the meat juicy and the veggies perfectly tender, making it an irresistible meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making a stew that tastes like it simmered for hours. Each component in this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe plays a crucial role in lending texture, color, and that unmistakable mouthwatering flavor.
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (lean): Tender cubes that soak up all the stew’s rich flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil): For perfectly searing the beef and adding a subtle depth of flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced): Aromatic and savory, garlic elevates every bite.
- 3 cups beef broth (regular sodium, divided): The base of the stew’s rich and hearty broth.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (canned): Adds body and a gentle tang to balance the richness.
- 1 ¼ pounds red potatoes (cut into ½-inch cubes): Creamy and soft, they absorb the stew’s flavors wonderfully.
- 3 celery stalks (cut into ¼-inch pieces): Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to the stew.
- 1 pound carrots (cut into ½-inch pieces): Sweetness and vibrant color that brighten the dish.
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar: Balances acidity and adds a warm note to the stew.
- 2 teaspoons salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor in the pot.
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle, gentle heat spike.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Herbaceous and earthy, it complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Infuses the stew with an aromatic piney note.
- ½ teaspoon ground sage: Adds a warm, savory touch that ties all flavors together.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret ingredient to achieve that perfect stew thickness.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
- Parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens the presentation and adds a fresh bite.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by setting your 6-quart Instant Pot to the sauté function and heating the oil. Toss in your lean beef stew meat and cook for 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned on the outside. This step locks in the juices and builds an incredible depth of flavor. The sizzling and caramelization are what give your stew that homemade richness you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Sauté
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This small addition releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, which infuse the meat and broth with savory goodness that sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 3: Combine with Broth and Vegetables
Pour in 3 cups of beef broth, then scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift all those flavorful browned bits off the surface. Next, add the tomato sauce, red potatoes, celery, carrots, diced sweet onion, brown sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and ground sage. Stir everything to combine harmoniously, then seal the pot by placing the lid and setting the valve to sealed. This is where the magic begins, as all those beautiful ingredients meld together under pressure.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Stew
Set the Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes. This pressure cooking is what tenderizes the beef to fall-apart perfection while softening the vegetables just right. After the timer goes off, let the stew sit and natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes—this extra resting time helps deepen the stew’s flavor even more.
Step 5: Make the Thickening Slurry
While your stew is resting, warm up the remaining ½ cup of broth. In a small bowl, whisk the warmed broth together with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. This slurry works wonders to thicken the broth and give your stew that luscious, velvety texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Thicken and Add Peas
Turn the Instant Pot back to sauté mode for 3-5 minutes. Pour in the slurry and stir it into the stew until it thickens to your liking. Toss in the frozen peas during this step and cook just until they’re heated through and vibrant. The peas add a fresh contrast in both taste and texture to finish the stew beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your instant pot beef stew is thick, rich, and bubbling with flavor, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and watch everyone’s faces light up with every spoonful. Pair it with gluten-free bread or crackers to soak up all that amazing broth — pure comfort in each bite.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the stew both visually and in flavor, giving a fresh herbal hint that complements the earthy herbs within the dish. A bit of cracked black pepper on top adds a nice finishing bite. You can also top with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of creamy horseradish for a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty gluten-free bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up the savory broth. For a lighter balance, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables also make fantastic sides if you want to amp up the rustic comfort factor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style feast, serve the stew straight from the Instant Pot in a warming vessel at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling fancy, ladle it into individual rustic bowls and garnish each with parsley and a little extra cracked black pepper. You could even hollow out a bread bowl to serve the stew in for an impressive, edible presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day because the flavors continue to meld and deepen. Store your stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before storing, allow it to cool slightly to keep your fridge fresh and your stew at its best.
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days. To thaw, simply transfer to the fridge overnight or use your microwave’s defrost setting.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. The peas and potatoes hold up beautifully, so you get that same comforting texture all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While lean beef stew meat works best for tender results, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes, which becomes wonderfully succulent under pressure. Just avoid very lean cuts that tend to dry out.
Do I need to brown the meat before pressure cooking?
While you can skip browning for convenience, browning the beef first enhances flavor through caramelization and adds richness to your stew’s broth. It’s worth the few extra minutes for a deeper, more complex taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or even green beans work beautifully and add new layers of flavor and texture. Just adjust the cut sizes so they cook evenly under pressure.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the stew?
No worries! You can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour mixed with a bit of cold water to make a slurry. Alternatively, arrowroot powder also works well as a gluten-free thickener.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger or smaller Instant Pot?
For smaller Instant Pots (3- or 4-quart), scale down the ingredients proportionally to avoid overfilling. For larger pots, you can easily double the recipe while maintaining the same cooking time. Just ensure you do not exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity, speed, and deliciousness make it a true weeknight hero, perfect for busy schedules or lazy weekends alike. Once you make it, I have no doubt it will become a favorite go-to that you’ll want to share with everyone. So go ahead, dive into this cozy bowl of goodness and experience how easy hearty, homemade comfort food can be!
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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender beef stewed to perfection with savory herbs, tender carrots, celery, red potatoes, and a rich tomato base, all pressure cooked to seal in flavors and quickly produce a delicious, thick stew finished with peas and a touch of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (lean)
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups beef broth (regular sodium, divided)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (canned)
Vegetables
- 1 ¼ pounds red potatoes (cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 3 celery stalks (cut into ¼-inch pieces)
- 1 pound carrots (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
Thickening Agent
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Optional
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Beef: Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to sauté function and add the beef stew meat along with avocado or olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is lightly seared on all sides, which helps develop flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Broth and Ingredients: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the tomato sauce, red potatoes, celery, carrots, diced onion, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and ground sage. Stir well to combine, then secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the sealed position.
- Pressure Cook Stew: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. Once cooking completes, allow the pressure to naturally release (NPR) over 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to vent to release any remaining pressure.
- Prepare Slurry: While the stew is resting, combine the remaining ½ cup of warm beef broth with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl, whisking until the mixture forms a smooth slurry. This will be used to thicken the stew.
- Thicken Stew and Add Peas: Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode for 3-5 minutes. Gradually stir in the slurry and frozen peas. Continue sautéing until the stew thickens to your preferred consistency and the peas are heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with gluten-free bread or crackers to complete this comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry while sautéing.
- Use lean beef stew meat to avoid excess fat in the dish.
- If you prefer a lower sodium version, opt for low or no-sodium beef broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the beef tender and prevents splattering.
- Frozen peas are added last to retain their bright color and fresh flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
