Quick and Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

The aroma of a bubbling pot of Instant Pot Beef Stew can transport you to your grandmother’s cozy kitchen on a chilly winter night. Imagine the rich scent of tender beef mingling with earthy vegetables and savory herbs, all coming together in a delightful symphony of flavors. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl that wraps you up in comfort and nostalgia.

Every time I whip up this dish, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter filled the room as we gathered around the table. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat—just toss everything into your trusty Instant Pot and let it work its magic while you sip coffee and catch up on your favorite show.

One memorable evening, I served this stew at a family reunion. The way my cousin’s eyes lit up was priceless—he declared it the best thing he’d ever tasted!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Beef Chuck Roast: Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness; they break down beautifully during cooking.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; slice them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Potatoes: Red or Yukon Gold potatoes work well; their creamy texture enhances the stew.
• Onions: Use yellow onions for their mild sweetness; they add depth to the flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic ingredient!
• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth for better control over salt levels; it serves as the stew’s base.
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated flavor booster enriches the sauce; a little goes a long way.
• Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves add complexity; remember to remove them before serving!
• Dried Thyme: A staple herb that complements beef beautifully; use fresh if available for more flavor.
• Pepper & Salt: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors; season to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic into bite-sized pieces. Having everything prepped makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Sear the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a splash of oil and brown the beef until nicely caramelized—about 5 minutes on each side will do! This step adds depth of flavor.

Add Aromatics: Toss in diced onions and minced garlic once browned. Sauté them together until onions become translucent and aromatic—about 3 minutes should suffice.

Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in chopped carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and broth. Mix everything well while marveling at the colorful medley.

Seal & Cook: Close the lid securely on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ for 35 minutes at high pressure. Trust me—the anticipation will make it worth every second!

Release Pressure & Serve: Once cooked, carefully perform a quick release according to your model’s instructions. Remove bay leaves and give it one last stir before ladling into bowls!

Instant Pot Beef Stew is not just dinner; it’s an experience—a blend of comforting flavors that delights both the palate and soul. So grab some crusty bread or fluffy biscuits for dipping because there won’t be any leftovers!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the beef first in a hot Instant Pot to lock in flavors, then add vegetables and broth before pressure cooking for optimal results.

Add Your Touch

Try adding potatoes or different root vegetables to customize your Instant Pot beef stew; this will enhance texture and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave without boiling.

I remember one chilly evening when I made this stew for a gathering. Everyone loved it so much that they practically licked their bowls clean!

FAQ

Can you use frozen beef in Instant Pot beef stew?

Yes, but thawing is recommended for even cooking and better flavor.

How long does it take to pressure cook beef stew?

Typically, it takes 35-40 minutes under high pressure for perfect tenderness.

What’s the best cut of beef for stew?

Chuck roast is ideal because it’s flavorful and becomes tender during cooking.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Instant Pot Beef Stew

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

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Description

Savor this comforting Instant Pot Beef Stew, featuring tender beef and vibrant vegetables, perfect for cozy gatherings or a family dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes (Red or Yukon Gold), cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat olive oil. Brown the beef pieces on all sides for about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).
4. Stir in carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Mix well.
5. Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ for 35 minutes at high pressure.
6. Once cooked, perform a quick release of pressure according to your model’s instructions. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
• Fresh herbs can enhance flavor—consider adding parsley just before serving.
•  For deeper flavors, sear the beef in batches if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg