Name: Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb beef stew meat, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 potatoes, diced; 3 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp thyme; Salt & pepper, to taste

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If you’ve been craving a warm, satisfying meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. This dish brings together tender chunks of beef and a colorful medley of vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the pressure cooker. The result? A bowl bursting with rich, hearty flavors that feel like a big, comforting hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for cozy dinners that require minimal effort but maximum taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a stew in a white bowl filled with small cubed orange carrots, tender slices of brown meat, translucent onion pieces, and dark mushrooms all mixed in a rich, dark brown broth. The surface has a bit of shine, showing a moist texture, and small green herbs are sprinkled lightly on top, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the first step towards creating a stew that shines in both flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role: the beef for richness, the vegetables for freshness and body, and the seasonings to bring everything together beautifully.

1 ½ lb beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, juicy results after pressure cooking.
1 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly browning the beef and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
1 onion, chopped: Provides a savory base and sweats down to enrich the broth.
3 carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
2 potatoes, diced: Give the stew body and creaminess as they cook down.
3 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Deepens the stew’s flavor with its concentrated umami.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Offers a tangy complexity that’s hard to beat.
1 tsp thyme: Adds earthy herbal notes that complement the beef perfectly.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every element.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat the olive oil, then add the cubed beef in batches if necessary so you don’t crowd the pot. Browning the meat creates a deeply flavorful crust that forms the foundation for this stew’s rich taste.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Tomato Paste

Once your beef is browned and set aside, toss in the chopped onion right into the hot pot. Cook for about 2 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook alongside the onions to mellow out its acidity and build depth in the stew.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so all those browned bits stuck to the bottom mix into the liquid, infusing your broth with intense flavor.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Pressure Cook

Next, layer in your carrots and potatoes right on top—no stirring necessary. Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to the “Stew” or high pressure setting for 35 minutes. This step lets all the ingredients meld together perfectly, making the beef tender and the veggies melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release and Serve

After cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully switching to quick release. Give the stew a good stir to mix the flavors once more and then it’s ready to scoop into your favorite bowls!

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

The image shows a round white bowl filled with a hearty beef stew resting on a white marbled surface. The stew has large, shiny brown chunks of beef scattered evenly throughout. There are whole golden-yellow baby potatoes and thick, bright orange carrot pieces arranged around the meat. Small green peas float in the rich, reddish-brown broth that fills the bowl. A silver spoon is placed inside, leaning on the edge of the bowl. A small sprig of fresh green thyme lies on top, adding a touch of color. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves add a pop of green color and a lively hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the aroma just before serving.

Side Dishes

This beef stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the savory broth. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for added texture and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in individual mini cocottes or rustic mugs to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top can elevate this homestyle dish into something extra special and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all the rich flavors and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze it in portion-sized containers so you can thaw exactly as much as you need for an easy meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your stew gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Adding a splash of broth or water helps if it’s thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for tenderness, chuck roast cut into cubes or brisket can also work wonderfully as they break down nicely under pressure cooking.

Is it necessary to brown the beef first?

While you can skip browning, it’s highly recommended because it adds a depth of flavor and a rich color that really makes the stew stand out.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add peas, parsnips, or celery to customize your stew. Just add delicate veggies like peas towards the end of cooking or after pressure release so they don’t become mushy.

How thick should the broth be?

The broth should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. If you’d like it thicker, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry after cooking and sauté for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce to make sure it doesn’t contain any gluten additives if you are sensitive or cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a hearty stew simmered to perfection with ease in the Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and convenience all in one pot. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy dish as much as I do—it’s the perfect way to warm your soul and fill your belly with love.