Instant Pot Beef Stew

When you’re craving a cozy, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen, Instant Pot beef stew is the answer. It’s hearty, packed with tender beef, and loaded with flavorful vegetables – all ready in a fraction of the time traditional methods take.

Perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting and satisfying, this dish combines convenience with the taste of classic, slow-cooked stew.

Looking for more hearty, beef meals? Make sure to try my recipes for Instant Pot Beef and Barley Stew, Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon, and Guinness Beef with Herb Dumplings too!

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

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Stew

The beauty of a good beef stew lies in its balance. Tender meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a deeply savory broth that wraps everything together.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

• Boneless Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for beef stew because of its high fat content and marbling, which melts during cooking and creates succulent, tender bites. It’s budget-friendly and easy to find, making it the top choice for many.
• Beef Stew Meat: Pre-packaged stew meat can work in a pinch, but it might include leaner cuts that don’t break down as well. If you go this route, check for pieces with visible marbling.
• Other Options: Short ribs, bottom round, or even brisket are great alternatives. They tend to cook well under pressure but may need slight adjustments to total cooking time.

Pro tip: No matter the cut, searing the beef before pressure cooking is a must. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the entire stew.

Vegetables That Complement the Dish

Vegetables play a double role—they bring texture and natural sweetness while helping thicken the stew.

• Carrots: A classic choice, carrots add a soft sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory broth. Cut them into chunks to avoid overcooking.
• Russet Potatoes: These hold up well under pressure and help thicken the broth thanks to their high starch content. If you prefer waxy potatoes, Yukon Golds are a creamy alternative.
• Alternatives: Try sweet potatoes for a subtle hint of sweetness or parsnips for a slightly nutty flavor. Celery can add crunch and earthiness, while frozen peas are perfect to stir in right at the end for a burst of color and freshness.

Broth and Seasoning Essentials

The broth is the soul of a beef stew, tying all the ingredients together. Using the right seasonings and liquids ensures your stew has layers of flavor in every bite.

• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the seasoning. If you have homemade beef stock, even better – it will add richness you can’t beat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth with a slightly tangy note that enhances the beef profile.
• Tomato Paste: Amplifies the flavor and provide a hint of acidity to balance the dish.
• Optional Additions: Red wine is a game-changer for adding complexity. A dry variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best. For a non-alcoholic substitute, use additional beef broth or grape juice.

Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Beef Stew

Making Instant Pot beef stew is a game-changer for anyone who loves a warm, hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Searing the Meat for Maximum Flavor

Searing the beef is the secret to a stew that’s packed with bold, savory flavors. When you brown the meat, you’re creating a deep, caramelized crust that takes your finished dish from good to unforgettable.

• Start with Dry Meat: Pat the beef dry with paper towels before seasoning it with salt and pepper. Moisture prevents proper browning, so dry surfaces are key.
• Preheat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it heat up until it displays “HOT.” Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Brown the beef in small batches. Overcrowding the pot will steam the meat instead of searing it. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
• Set the Beef Aside: Once seared, transfer the beef to a plate while you move on to the next step.

Deglazing: A Critical Step

After searing the beef, you’ll notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot. These aren’t burnt leftovers, they’re flavor gold. Deglazing ensures those savory morsels are incorporated into your stew, not left behind.

• Add Liquid to the Hot Pot: Pour a bit of beef broth into the Instant Pot while it’s still on sauté mode. Start with about ½ cup.
• Scrape the Bottom: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently scrape up all those browned bits. They’ll dissolve into the liquid, adding incredible depth to your broth.
• Avoid Instant Pot Errors: Deglazing isn’t just about flavor, it also prevents the dreaded “burn warning” on your Instant Pot. If the bottom isn’t clear, your stew may not cook properly under pressure.

This step takes just a couple of minutes but makes a big difference, ensuring a flavorful and hassle-free cooking experience.

Pressure Cooking Time and Techniques

• Cooking Time: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes. While this might seem short, the high-pressure setting essentially fast-forwards the slow-cooking process.
• Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This step is non-negotiable – it helps the meat retain its tenderness and ensures the flavors have time to settle. Afterward, perform a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
• Check for Doneness: Open the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Test the beef with a fork – it should fall apart easily. If it needs more time, you can pressure cook for a few extra minutes, but I have never needed to.

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

Adjusting and Thickening the Broth

• Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cooking liquid. Slowly stir this mixture into the stew while the Instant Pot is on sauté mode. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the broth thickens.
• Alternative Thickeners: Prefer something different? Arrowroot powder works the same way as cornstarch.
• Final Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of freshly cracked pepper can round out the flavors.

Press the “Cancel” button. Ladle your delicious beef stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh thyme.

Serve with hot, crusty bread to soak up the rich broth, ensuring no drop goes to waste… Yum!!

Expert Tips

• This is the Spider Strainer that I have been using for the past 34+ 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 (1-2 inch) chunks so they cook evenly.
• If you do not want to use wine, you can substitute a dark stout (like Guinness) or use all beef stock.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Beef stew is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Storing it properly is key to preserving its freshness and keeping it safe to eat.

Refrigeration:

• Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before storing. However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to avoid bacteria growth.
• Divide the stew into airtight containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. Smaller portions make it easier to reheat only what you need.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• If you want to store the stew for longer, freezing is a great option. Before freezing, ensure the stew is completely cool.
• Use freezer-safe, airtight containers or zip-top bags. Leave some room at the top to allow for expansion as the liquid freezes.
• For best quality, use the frozen beef stew within 3 months.
• Note: Freeze without dairy or thickening agents like cornstarch or flour, as they can separate when reheated. You can always add these after reheating for better texture.

Reheating Tips:

• For small portions, reheat in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
• For larger portions, reheat on the stovetop. Place the stew in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.
• Never reheat more than once to maintain quality and safety.

Additional Instant Pot comfort foods 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

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Enjoy!!