If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly and tastes like it’s been simmering all day, then you have to try The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. This stew is packed with tender chunks of savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get all the deep, slow-cooked goodness in just over an hour, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty beef stew meat to the bright veggies and herbs, everything combines beautifully to create a balanced and satisfying stew.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the rich, meaty foundation of the stew.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 medium onion: Finely chopped to bring natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
- 2-3 cloves garlic: Minced for a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 6 oz can tomato paste: Gives the stew a robust umami base and lovely color.
- 32 oz beef broth: The liquid heart of the stew, providing all the savory moisture.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a slightly tangy depth.
- 2 cups baby carrots: Tiny bursts of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 4-5 small red potatoes: Cut into bite-sized pieces to soak up flavors and add comforting creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings a gentle herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Adds a warm, earthy touch.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Complements peas with a tender crunch.
- 1/4 cup flour: Combined with water to thicken the stew into a luscious consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Mixed with flour to create a smooth thickening slurry.
How to Make The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Start by placing all the ingredients except for the frozen peas, corn, and the flour-water mixture into your Instant Pot. This means the beef, veggies, seasonings, tomato paste, broth, and Worcestershire sauce all go in at once. Stir everything until well combined, ensuring the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Seal and Set Pressure Cooking
Seal your Instant Pot by making sure the valve is set to sealing. Then, select the Meat/Stew option, which cooks for 35 minutes under high pressure. This timing is just perfect to tenderize the beef while allowing the flavors to intertwine beautifully.
Step 3: Natural Release and Quick Release
After the cooking cycle finishes, let the Instant Pot sit undisturbed for 12 minutes. This natural release stage helps the pressure come down gently and the stew to settle. Once the 12 minutes are up, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting. This step ensures your stew is ready for the finishing touches.
Step 4: Add Peas, Corn, and Thicken
Now stir in the frozen peas and corn as well as the flour-water mixture, which works as a thickener. Keep stirring until the stew thickens slightly and the corn and peas warm through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Your stew will transform into a perfectly hearty and velvety dish.
How to Serve The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
For that final touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper on top. These simple garnishes brighten up the stew and add a fresh contrast to its rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This beef stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious broth, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad to add freshness alongside the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. For a fun twist, ladle it over creamy polenta or roasted root vegetables to impress your guests with a comforting yet elevated presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so leftovers are often even better.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some room for expansion when freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but stirring midway through helps maintain an even temperature and avoid hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat works best for tenderness and quick cooking, chuck roast cut into pieces is a great alternative. Just make sure it’s well marbled for the richest flavor.
Do I have to use frozen peas and corn?
Frozen peas and corn are convenient and add a nice texture contrast, but you can substitute with fresh or omit if you prefer. Just add fresh veggies near the end of cooking.
Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
You can double it, but make sure not to fill your Instant Pot beyond the max fill line. It may require two batches or using a larger cooker.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken. Both work well without altering flavor.
Can I prepare this stew without an Instant Pot?
Definitely! You can make this on the stove by browning the beef, then simmering all ingredients gently for 2 to 3 hours until tender, adding peas and corn near the end.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and secrets to create The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, I hope you’ll dive right in and enjoy this comforting classic as much as I do. It’s a wonderful balance of convenience and old-fashioned flavor that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. Happy cooking!
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The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender beef, baby carrots, red potatoes, and a rich broth come together quickly using the Instant Pot, making a classic stew with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 32 oz beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Vegetables
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 4–5 small red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
Thickening Mixture
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Combine in Instant Pot: Place the beef, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, baby carrots, red potatoes, dried parsley, and oregano into the Instant Pot. Stir well until all ingredients are combined evenly.
- Seal and Set Pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the Meat/Stew function which cooks at high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking time ends, let the Instant Pot sit undisturbed for 12 minutes to allow natural pressure release.
- Quick Release Pressure: Carefully move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid once fully depressurized.
- Add Peas, Corn, and Thicken: Stir in the frozen peas, frozen corn, and the flour-water mixture. Continue to cook with the Instant Pot on sauté mode or warm setting, stirring gently for 3-5 minutes until the stew thickens slightly and the vegetables are warmed through.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas and corn if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.
- The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Allowing the natural pressure release for 12 minutes helps keep the beef tender and juicy.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the flour quantity or simmer longer after adding the thickener.
