If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth bursting with flavor, this stew comes together faster than traditional methods thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a cozy weekend treat, this dish delivers rich tastes and satisfying textures with every spoonful, making it a staple you’ll return to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building that deep, luscious flavor and hearty texture that makes this stew unforgettable. From the tenderizing power of flour to the fresh pop of green peas at the end, this list has everything you need to make your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe truly shine.
- 2 lb stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect tender bites after pressure cooking.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a rich, slightly thickened stew base.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 Tbsp oil: For browning the meat and locking in savory juices.
- 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that simmers all the ingredients together.
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness and depth.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Introduces a mild warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
- ¼ tsp thyme: Infuses a subtle earthy herb note that elevates the stew.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness and a hint of tang.
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds a savory onion punch without extra chopping.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: For a warm, fragrant undertone.
- 2 carrots: Peeled and chopped, provide sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes: Peeled and chopped to absorb stew flavors and add satisfying bite.
- ½ cup frozen green peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of texture and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, finishing the dish with balanced seasoning.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Meat
Start by tossing the stew meat in flour and sugar. This simple coating helps create a beautiful crust when seared and thickens the stew naturally as it cooks. It’s a game changer for that lovely stew consistency you crave.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the oil. Add the coated beef pieces and cook until they start to brown on all sides. This step locks in savory flavor and makes every bite irresistibly rich. Once browned, turn off the Instant Pot to prep for the next step.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in a small amount of beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This removes any browned bits stuck to the surface, preventing the dreaded BURN notice and infusing the broth with extra flavor that you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now, throw in the rest of the broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, carrots, and potatoes. Stir everything together so all those wonderful herbs and spices mingle evenly with the beef and veggies.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual or high pressure for 35 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes—this helps the meat stay tender and juicy. Finish with a quick release of any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in the frozen green peas, which add a lovely burst of color and freshness. Finally, season generously with salt and black pepper to suit your palate, and your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is ready to impress.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Top your stew with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs to brighten its appearance and aroma. A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy counterpoint that complements the robust flavors splendidly.
Side Dishes
This stew stands tall on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even buttered egg noodles. Each side helps soak up that delicious broth, elevating every mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls and top with crunchy homemade croutons or crisp bacon bits for added texture. You could also ladle it over mashed potatoes for a twist on comfort food that’s sure to delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date for easy meal planning later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much upon standing, add a splash of beef broth or water to regain that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal, chuck roast cut into chunks works beautifully, too. The key is a cut that becomes tender with slow cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this stew on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, though cooking times will be longer. The Instant Pot just speeds things up while keeping that tender texture everyone loves.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to include celery, parsnips, or mushrooms to the mix. Just add them at the same time as the carrots and potatoes for even cooking.
How do I avoid the BURN notice on the Instant Pot?
Deglazing the pot by scraping the bottom with some broth after browning the meat is essential. This removes stuck bits that trigger the sensor and ensures smooth pressure cooking.
Can I make this stew ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! Making this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe a day ahead allows flavors to deepen even more. Just gently reheat before serving for a warm, satisfying meal your guests will adore.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves classic comfort food but appreciates an easy, no-fuss approach. With its rich flavors, tender meat, and vibrant veggies, it’s a recipe you’ll want on repeat during any season. Grab your Instant Pot, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, delicious satisfaction that only a great stew can bring.
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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of beef are browned and then slow-cooked with vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic spices under pressure, resulting in a rich and savory stew with tender carrots, potatoes, and sweet green peas. Ready in just about an hour, this classic stew is easy to prepare and packed with satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Coating
- 2 lb stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
Cooking Liquid and Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp thyme
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup frozen green peas
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the stew meat with the all-purpose flour and sugar until well coated. This step helps to thicken the stew later and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Sauté the Meat: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the oil. Add the coated stew meat and cook until it begins to brown on all sides, which locks in flavor. Then turn off the Instant Pot.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a small amount of beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the burn warning on the Instant Pot and incorporates those flavorful bits into the stew.
- Add Remaining Ingredients Except Peas: Add the rest of the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chili powder, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, minced onion flakes, garlic powder, chopped carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pressure Cook the Stew: Secure the Instant Pot lid and lock it. Select the manual or high pressure setting and set the timer for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Add Frozen Peas and Season: Open the lid carefully and stir in the frozen green peas, letting them warm through from residual heat. Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to peel and chop the carrots and potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few potato pieces after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry at the end and sauté briefly until thickened.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables like parsnips or celery if desired.
- For a spicier stew, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Make sure to follow Instant Pot safety guidelines for pressure release.
