Nothing says cozy comfort like a bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew: fork-tender beef, richly flavored veggies, and a savory broth all melding together in record time. This is the kind of dish you turn to when you want something hearty that feels like hours of effort, but the magic of your Instant Pot does almost all the work. Whether you’re gathering around the family table or meal-prepping for yourself, this stew is just the ticket for satisfying, soul-warming dinners.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot Beef Stew is in its humble, straightforward ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building depth, color, and heartiness. You probably already have most of these on hand, making it as convenient as it is delicious.

Beef chuck roast: Choose well-marbled chuck for the most flavorful, juicy, and tender bites.
Olive oil: For searing the beef and vegetables, giving richness and a subtle fruitiness.
Onion: Brings natural sweetness that mellows during cooking and deepens the stew’s flavor base.
Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and a touch of pungency that infuses the whole stew.
Beef broth: Provides a savory, robust foundation for the stew’s sauce.
Tomato paste: Intensifies umami, enriches color, and gives a gentle tanginess to the broth.
Worcestershire sauce: For an extra punch of savory complexity that’s hard to pinpoint but impossible to miss.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that adds an earthy, subtle minty note.
Dried rosemary: Infuses herbal aroma and a piney flavor that complements beef beautifully.
Bay leaves: Lend a slightly floral, tea-like depth to the overall stew.
Carrots: Sweet earthiness and delightful pops of color in every spoonful.
Potatoes: Absorb flavors and help make the stew satisfyingly filling with tender chunks.
Celery: Brings a light, fresh note that brightens the whole dish.
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): Used if you’d like to thicken the stew for an extra-luscious texture.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches—let each piece form a rich brown crust before turning. This step is crucial for developing that deep, meaty flavor that makes Instant Pot Beef Stew truly irresistible. Don’t rush this part, and avoid overcrowding the pot so every piece caramelizes instead of steaming.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once your beef is nicely browned and set aside, toss the chopped onion into the pot and sauté for a few minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. Next, add the garlic and let it bloom for just 30 seconds—you’ll love the way your kitchen smells already. This quick step builds a savory backbone for the rest of the stew.

Step 3: Layer in the Goodness

Return your seared beef (and those precious juices) to the pot. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, and bay leaves. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery on top—this layering helps the vegetables keep their shape and color while everything cooks to perfection.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Cancel sauté mode, lock the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Cook the stew on high pressure for 35 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam. This gentle pressure ensures that every bite of beef is meltingly tender and the vegetables retain just the right amount of bite.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry while the Instant Pot is back on sauté mode. Just a couple of minutes later, the broth transforms into a velvety, hearty sauce. Finish by stirring in frozen peas and letting them warm through for a final pop of freshness.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves, then give the stew a taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve your Instant Pot Beef Stew piping hot with a chunk of crusty bread, and watch as everyone dives in for seconds.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh parsley or thyme over each bowl gives that final burst of color and a fragrant, herbaceous lift. A little extra cracked black pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt right at the end can really make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing quite like mopping up that luscious gravy with a thick slice of crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls. For something lighter, try serving your Instant Pot Beef Stew with a simple green salad dressed in a zippy vinaigrette, or perhaps alongside creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, ladle the stew into warmed bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist. You can also serve the stew over a scoop of buttery rice or even wide egg noodles, transforming it into a cross between stew and comforting casserole. Tiny, oven-baked puff pastry squares make a tasty topper if you want a bit of flaky crunch with your stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew keeps beautifully! Simply let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors actually improve as it sits, making leftovers a treat you’ll crave.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a dream. Once completely cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and date, and stash in the freezer for up to 3 months. To avoid mushy potatoes, you can even skip them when making a batch specifically for freezing, adding fresh-boiled potatoes when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If you’re in a rush, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until nicely warmed. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness under pressure, you can use stew meat, brisket, or even short ribs. Just make sure to cut the meat into even chunks for uniform cooking.

Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

While you can technically skip this step, searing gives the stew much more flavor and a richer, deeper color. Those extra few minutes up front really make a difference in the final bowl.

Can I make this Instant Pot Beef Stew gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth don’t contain any gluten-based thickeners. The cornstarch slurry is a safe thickener for gluten-free diets.

What vegetables can I add or swap in?

Feel free to get creative—parsnips, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, or even mushrooms work well. Just keep the vegetable pieces similar in size for even cooking, and add any tender veggies (like peas or green beans) after pressure cooking.

How can I make Instant Pot Beef Stew in advance for a crowd?

Instant Pot Beef Stew is perfect for entertaining! Double the batch (if your cooker is large enough), and make it a day ahead. Reheat gently before serving and offer a variety of fresh garnishes and sides so everyone can customize their bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the easiest way to capture all the comfort and flavor of slow-simmered stew in a fraction of the time, Instant Pot Beef Stew is your answer. Dive in, enjoy every spoonful, and let this dish become a new classic in your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular favorite for you and everyone lucky enough to share it!

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is easy to make. Tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas simmered in a flavorful broth create a delicious stew perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stew:

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves

Vegetables:

4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup frozen peas

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper to taste

Thickening (optional):

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear beef in batches in Instant Pot on sauté mode until browned. Set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add olive oil to Instant Pot, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
Cook the Stew: Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, vegetables. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
Thicken (Optional): For thicker stew, add cornstarch slurry and sauté until thickened.
Finish: Stir in frozen peas, adjust seasoning, and serve hot after removing bay leaves.