Instant Pot Beef Stew

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What is your idea of the perfect comfort food? As you have probably guessed by now, my favorites all include beef, lol. Sometimes I add stout beef to enhance the flavors, and sometimes I add a dark red wine. Today I was in the mood for a nice big bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew that would use up the left over Bordeaux that has been sitting on the counter for the past week.

For even more delicious pressure cooker recipes, check out the Instant Pot Recipes page.

I love to cook with wine but I generally don’t drink it, so I always end up with leftovers! This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is the perfect way to put it to good use, but you can also make this recipe without alcohol if you so desire.

How to cook Beef Stew in an Instant Pot:

Turn on your Instant Pot and press the “Sauté” button. Add the oil when the display reads “HOT”.

Add the beef chunks in batches {I do 3 batches} and cook until browned.

We are not cooking them, we are just browning them.

Remove the beef and place them in a large bowl. Continue cooking remaining beef until they are all browned.

Add the flour, salt and pepper to the cooked beef, and toss to coat.

Add the wine and stock to the pot. Stir to combine and scrape off the browned bits from the bottom, then add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.

Add the flour coated beef, the potatoes, carrots, onions, thyme, bay leaf and garlic. Stir to combine.

The liquid is visible on the side, but it does not completely cover the beef and vegetables.

Press the “Cancel” button. Secure the lid and make sure the pressure knob is in the “Sealing” position.

Press the “Manual” button and use the – and + buttons to adjust the time to 25 minutes on High Pressure.

Yes there is a Meat/Stew button but I have never used it, I always use Manual.

When the pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Carefully turn the knob to release the remaining pressure and remove the lid.

I was happy with the thickness of the “gravy” so I stopped here.

For a thicker gravy: remove 4 Tablespoons of the cooking liquid and place it in a small bowl. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch to create a slurry.

Press the “Cancel” button, then the “Saute” button. Add the slurry to the pot and stir until thoroughly combined and the gravy starts to thicken and bubble.

Press the “Cancel” button. Ladle the Instant Pot Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh thyme.

Serve with hot, crusty bread…oh yum!! Exactly what I needed to calm my nerves!

Recipe Notes:

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• This is the Spider Strainer that I have been using for the past 28+ years. I love it and use it all the time!
• I use this 6 Quart Instant Pot® to create all of my recipes. I do not have a 3 qt or 8 qt, so I do not know what adjustments need to be made.
• Try to cut the beef, potatoes and carrots into similar sized chunks so they cook evenly.
• If you need Gluten-free: substitute tapioca or arrowroot starch for the flour.
• If you do not want to use wine, you can substitute a dark stout (like Guinness) or use all beef stock.

Additional Instant Pot comfort foods for you to try:

• Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew – Guinness® and bacon, anyone?
• Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches – this recipe is Whole 30 & Paleo compliant if you skip the sandwich rolls!
• Instant Pot Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
• Instant Pot Kalua Pork – Whole 30 & Paleo
• Instant Pot Butternut Squash and Apple Soup – Whole 30 & Paleo

The landscaper never showed up, the electrician never came back, my espresso machine died, and this remodel seems like it will never be finished….which is why I am turning to comfort foods, LOL

Enjoy!!