Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Instructions for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Making this Instant Pot Beef Stew is incredibly simple, and it only takes about 1 hour from start to finish—no more waiting for hours to enjoy a comforting, warm meal. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sauté the Beef:
   • Turn on your Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Allow it to heat up, then add olive oil to the pot.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-6 minutes, then remove it and set aside. Repeat with any remaining beef.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
   • Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape any remaining bits from the pot.
   • Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
   • Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
4. Pressure Cook the Stew:
   • Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot, and stir everything together.
   • Seal the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual function and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
5. Quick Release and Thicken the Stew:
   • Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the venting position to release the pressure.
   • Once the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and stir the stew. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by mixing 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup water, then stir it into the stew. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté again and cook for 5 minutes until the stew has thickened.
   • Add the frozen peas and stir to combine.
6. Final Seasoning:
   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Choosing the Right Beef: For a tender and flavorful stew, chuck roast or stew meat works best. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking and pressure cooking because they become tender and juicy with time.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the beef, do it in batches to ensure that the meat browns evenly. If you overcrowd the pot, the beef will steam instead of browning, which can affect the flavor.
• Thickening the Stew: If you like a thicker stew, feel free to add more flour or cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency. You can also let the stew simmer with the Sauté function to thicken it naturally.
• Adding More Vegetables: You can customize your beef stew with additional vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: This beef stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Time-Saving: Traditional beef stew can take hours to make, but with the Instant Pot, you can have a rich, tender beef stew in just under an hour.
• Tender, Flavorful Meat: The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot ensures that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables soak up all the savory flavors from the broth.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is a one-pot meal, meaning less clean-up after dinner. The Instant Pot does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without much effort.
• Customizable: This stew is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. Add more herbs, vegetables, or spices to make it your own.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a filling meal that delivers big on flavor. With tender beef, savory broth, and wholesome vegetables, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. And the best part? It only takes about an hour to make, so you can enjoy all the richness of a slow-cooked stew without the wait.

Whether served with a side of bread, rice, or mashed potatoes, this Instant Pot Beef Stew is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal in no time!