The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe You’ll Ever Try (Comfort Food Made Easy!)
When I first tried beef stew in the Instant Pot, I didn’t expect it to be this good. I was looking for something warm, hearty, and easy for busy days.
Honestly, I was blown away by how tender the beef turned out and how rich the broth tasted in such a short time.
If you’ve been craving a classic beef stew that doesn’t take hours of simmering, you’re in the right place.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can make the best Instant Pot beef stew at home.
Why Make Beef Stew in an Instant Pot?
I used to spend half a day simmering beef stew on the stove, waiting for the meat to soften. With the Instant Pot, all that waiting is gone. You can get the same melt-in-your-mouth beef and deep flavors in a fraction of the time.
- Saves time: A traditional beef stew takes 3–4 hours. With the Instant Pot, it’s done in about 45–60 minutes.
- Better flavor: Pressure cooking locks in flavor. The broth tastes like it’s been cooking all day.
- One-pot meal: Less mess, fewer dishes, and no babysitting the pot.
If you want comfort food without spending all day in the kitchen, this is the way to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Everything is easy to find, and you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
- Beef chuck roast (about 2 pounds, cut into cubes) – chuck roast is best because it becomes tender and juicy when cooked.
- Olive oil or butter – for searing the beef.
- Onion (1 large, diced) – adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced) – you can never go wrong with garlic.
- Carrots (3–4, sliced into chunks) – they get soft and sweet.
- Potatoes (3–4, cubed) – russet or Yukon gold work best.
- Celery (2–3 stalks, chopped) – optional but adds a nice balance.
- Beef broth (about 4 cups) – the base of your stew.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons) – adds richness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon) – for a hint of tangy flavor.
- Bay leaf (1) – classic stew seasoning.
- Dried thyme and rosemary – earthy and aromatic.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) – to thicken the stew.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down step by step so you can follow easily.
1. Sear the Beef
Turn on the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a little oil and brown the beef cubes in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot—let each side get a nice crust. This step gives the stew a deep, rich flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
After searing, toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This will build that classic stew base.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, scrape up the brown bits from the bottom (this is important to avoid the “burn” warning), then stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Vegetables
Toss in carrots, potatoes, and celery. Give everything a good mix.
5. Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. When done, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
6. Thicken the Stew
Switch back to “Sauté” mode, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and let the stew simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy with some crusty bread on the side.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and these little tricks always make it better:
- Cut beef into even cubes so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t skip the searing—this adds so much flavor.
- Add peas at the end if you want extra color and sweetness.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes—they hold their shape better than russets.
- Make it ahead of time—the stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about beef stew is how flexible it is. You can switch things up depending on what you have.
- Wine Version: Add ½ cup red wine with the broth for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a gluten-free version.
- Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower chunks.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb Twist: Try fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried for more aroma.
What to Serve with Beef Stew
This stew is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with something on the side makes it even better.
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls – perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Mashed potatoes – double comfort food.
- Steamed rice – makes the stew stretch further.
- Side salad – adds freshness to balance the heaviness.
Storing and Reheating
One of my favorite things about beef stew is that it tastes even better the next day.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Comfort food made easy in less than an hour.
- Tender beef and hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.
- Flexible and customizable to fit your taste.
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cold winter nights.
This recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. I honestly think once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen too.
FAQs About Instant Pot Beef Stew
Q: Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 5–10 extra minutes of cook time. It’s best to thaw if you can for better browning.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure you don’t go over the Instant Pot’s “Max Fill” line. Cooking time stays the same.
Q: How do I make the stew thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer on “Sauté” mode to reduce the liquid.
Q: Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time: chicken (10 minutes), pork (25 minutes).
Q: Do I have to sear the beef first?
Technically no, but trust me—searing adds so much flavor. Don’t skip it if you want the best stew.
There you have it—an easy, hearty, and delicious Instant Pot beef stew recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. I promise, once you make this, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals.
