Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a comforting dish that brings together tender beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant carrots in a savory broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this stew is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor. The rich aroma will fill your kitchen, making it a favorite for family gatherings and cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 85 minutes, including prep time.
• Flavorful and Rich: The combination of beef stock, herbs, and spices results in a deeply satisfying broth.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or serve it with your favorite side dishes like bread or salad.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein from beef and fiber from veggies, it’s wholesome and filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this dish requires just a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: It speeds up cooking time significantly while infusing flavors beautifully.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Proper tools make chopping ingredients quick and safe.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect balance of flavors in your stew.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is filled with tender pieces of beef, potatoes and carrots in a rich and flavorful broth. Serve it with some crusty bread and a green salad for a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast (or beef stew meat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups unsalted beef stock (or low sodium beef broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal)
• 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 4 medium, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

If using chuck roast and not already cut stew meat, cut the beef into 1½ to 2-inch cubes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
• When hot, add half of the beef in a single layer. Sprinkle with half of the salt and pepper.
• Brown for about four minutes without moving. Flip and brown for another four minutes. Remove to a clean bowl.

Step 3: Repeat Browning Process

• Add remaining olive oil to the pot.
• Brown the second half of the beef, seasoning with remaining salt and pepper for about four minutes per side. Remove to the first bowl.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add chopped onion to the pot; sauté for about two to three minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook, stirring for an additional thirty seconds after pressing cancel to turn off heat.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in one cup of beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Then add remaining two cups of broth.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Return all browned beef along with juices back into the pot. Place carrots and potatoes on top without stirring.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Close the lid on your Instant Pot. Set steam release valve to sealing position. Press Manual/Pressure Cook button; set cook time to thirty-five minutes at high pressure. Allow pot ten to fifteen minutes to reach pressure before cooking begins.

Step 8: Release Pressure

When cook time ends, let pressure naturally release for ten minutes by leaving it alone. Then quick release any remaining pressure by carefully moving steam release valve to venting position using a long spoon handle.

Step 9: Final Touches

Open lid; remove bay leaf from stew.

Step 10: Thicken Your Stew

Mix together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour mixture into Instant Pot; turn on sauté function again. Allow stew to simmer while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened—be careful not to break up vegetables as you stir.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Serving Instant Pot Beef Stew can be a delightful experience. This hearty dish pairs well with various sides, making it versatile for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly Baked Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair your stew with garlic bread for an added layer of flavor.

With Green Salad

• Simple Mixed Greens: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and croutons add a satisfying crunch alongside the stew.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Steamed White Rice: A classic option that soaks up all the delicious juices from the stew.
• Fluffy Quinoa: For a healthier twist, serve with quinoa that provides extra protein and fiber.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Roasted Veggies: Add a side of seasonal roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious complement to the meal.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew

Making the perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose Quality Meat: Start with high-quality beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Searing creates depth in flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface before pressure cooking.
• Deglaze Properly: Scrape up browned bits after sautéing to incorporate those flavors into your broth.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place vegetables on top of the meat without stirring; this ensures even cooking.
• Natural Pressure Release is Key: Allowing natural release enhances tenderness by letting the meat rest in its juices.
• Adjust Seasonings After Cooking: Taste and adjust salt or herbs after cooking, as flavors can intensify during pressure cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Completing your meal with sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with beef stew gravy.
2. Buttered Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness, balancing out savory flavors.
3. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds offer a nutty crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Light and fluffy cornbread muffins are great for soaking up leftover stew broth.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only adds nutrition but also complements the stew’s richness.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, enhancing overall taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Beef Stew, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a delicious stew.

• Skipping browning the meat: Failing to brown the beef first can lead to a less flavorful stew. Always sear the meat to enhance its taste and texture.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too much beef at once can prevent proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Neglecting to deglaze: Not scraping up browned bits from the bottom can result in a burnt taste. Always deglaze with broth after sautéing.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting vegetables unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces for even tenderness.
• Rushing the pressure release: Quick-releasing pressure immediately can cause splattering and uneven cooking. Allow for natural pressure release when possible.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the stew cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation.

Freezing Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat is ideal due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked under pressure.

Can I add other vegetables to my Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms based on your preference.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Beef Stew?

The cook time is approximately 35 minutes under high pressure, with additional time for preheating and natural pressure release.

Can I make Instant Pot Beef Stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is not only rich and hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!