A warm bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew is the kind of dinner that feels cozy and comforting. It is full of tender beef, soft vegetables, and a rich savory broth.
The best part is that the Instant Pot makes this classic meal much faster. Instead of cooking for hours, this easy Instant Pot beef stew is ready in about one hour.
If you love simple comfort food, this pressure cooker beef stew recipe is a perfect choice for busy nights.
Looking for more cozy meals like this? Try some of our favorite Instant Pot beef dinner recipes that are quick, hearty, and family friendly.
Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Makes rich, comforting stew in much less time
- Beef turns very tender in the pressure cooker
- One pot meal with meat and vegetables
- Thick and flavorful broth
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Simple pantry ingredients
This homemade Instant Pot beef stew tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew
- 2 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Beef Chuck Roast
This is the best cut for Instant Pot beef stew because it becomes tender when pressure cooked.
Potatoes
Good options include:
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Russet potatoes
Yukon Gold hold their shape slightly better.
Carrots
Carrots add natural sweetness and color to the stew.
Cornstarch Slurry
Cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the broth.
Beef Broth
You can use:
- Beef broth
- Beef stock
Both work well in this pressure cooker beef stew recipe.
Step by Step Instructions for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Season the Beef
Place the beef cubes in a bowl or on a cutting board. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the meat and toss gently so all pieces are coated.
Brown the Beef
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat.
Add the beef in batches and brown each side for a few minutes. This step adds deep flavor. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about three minutes until soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about thirty seconds.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour in one cup of beef broth.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This removes the browned bits and adds flavor to the Instant Pot beef stew.
Add the Stew Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot. Then add:
- remaining beef broth
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- carrots
- potatoes
- thyme
- smoked paprika
- bay leaf
Stir gently to combine everything.
Pressure Cook the Stew
Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then release the remaining pressure carefully.
Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl mix:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Turn the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and stir in the mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the broth thickens.
Add the Peas and Serve
Stir in the frozen peas and let them warm for about two minutes.
Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Your easy Instant Pot beef stew is now ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Brown the beef first for deeper flavor
- Cut beef pieces evenly so they cook the same
- Scrape the pot well when deglazing
- Let the stew rest a few minutes before serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
These small steps make your homemade beef stew in the Instant Pot taste even better.
Variations and Add Ins for Instant Pot Beef Stew
You can easily change this pressure cooker beef stew recipe.
Try adding:
- sliced mushrooms
- green beans
- celery
- sweet potatoes
- fresh rosemary
- fresh parsley
These ingredients add new flavors and textures.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew
This hearty Instant Pot beef stew goes well with simple sides.
Great options include:
- crusty bread
- dinner rolls
- mashed potatoes
- buttered rice
- green salad
These sides are perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
- Store stew in an airtight container
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freezer
- Freeze in freezer safe containers
- Good for up to 3 months
Reheating
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat
- Stir occasionally
- Add a splash of broth if the stew becomes too thick
Leftover Instant Pot beef stew often tastes even better the next day.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Sauté beef in olive oil until browned. Remove from pot.
- Cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Add beef, vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thick.
- Add peas and serve warm.
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is hearty, rich, and full of comforting flavor. The pressure cooker makes the beef tender while the vegetables become perfectly soft.
It is a simple meal that feels warm and satisfying. Once you try this easy pressure cooker beef stew, it may become one of your favorite family dinners.
