Name: Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe: Hearty and Time-Saving
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion (chopped); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 3 medium carrots (sliced); 2 medium potatoes (cubed); 2 celery stalks (sliced); 4 cups beef broth; 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup frozen peas; Optional: Fresh parsley (thyme); Suggested Pairings: Red wine (crusty bread)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, time-saving main dish, perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep. This comforting stew, featuring tender beef chuck, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, delivers warm, homestyle flavors with the convenience of pressure cooking. Presented in a white ceramic bowl or tureen, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe offers a rustic, inviting aesthetic that elevates any meal. This recipe provides a simple Instant Pot version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings classic, American-inspired warmth to any table.

Ingredients

For the Instant Pot Beef Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup frozen peas

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley, thyme
Suggested Accompaniments: Crusty bread, mashed potatoes
Suggested Pairings: Red wine, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl or tureen
Suggested Equipment: Instant Pot (6-quart or larger), cutting board, knife, measuring cups/spoons, small bowl, wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Ingredients: Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Chop vegetables and set aside.
Brown Beef: Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat olive oil, then add beef in batches, browning on all sides (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Transfer to a plate.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Deglaze: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the pot.
Add Ingredients: Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes, remaining 3 cups broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then manually release remaining pressure.
Thicken Stew: In a small bowl, whisk flour with 1/4 cup cold water until smooth. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode, stir in the flour slurry and peas, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust with more salt, pepper, or herbs to ensure a balanced, savory flavor. Remove bay leaf.
Serve: Ladle into a white ceramic bowl or tureen. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, red wine, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Instant Pot Beef Stew

Pat beef dry before browning to achieve a rich, caramelized crust.
Taste the stew before serving to balance savory, tangy, and herby flavors; adjust sparingly.
Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
Present in a white ceramic bowl or tureen to highlight the hearty ingredients and rich broth.
Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance; reheat on Sauté mode or stovetop.
Deglaze thoroughly to incorporate flavorful browned bits.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley or thyme for a fresh, rustic pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Instant Pot Beef Stew: Replace flour with cornstarch (1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) for thickening.
Low-Carb Instant Pot Beef Stew: Omit potatoes; use turnips or cauliflower instead.
Vegetarian Instant Pot Beef Stew: Replace beef with mushrooms (e.g., cremini or portobello) and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Instant Pot Beef Stew: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño with the vegetables.
Red Wine Instant Pot Beef Stew: Add 1/2 cup red wine during deglazing for a richer flavor.
Slow Cooker Instant Pot Beef Stew: After sautéing, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Herbed Instant Pot Beef Stew: Add 1 tsp fresh parsley or oregano to the broth.
Root Vegetable Instant Pot Beef Stew: Include parsnips or rutabaga with carrots.

Storage and Serving Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; they can be reheated in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode or on the stovetop over medium heat.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serve hot for the best rich, comforting flavor and tender texture.
Use as a main dish for cozy dinners or a hearty meal prep option.
Pair with red wine or sparkling water to complement the savory, robust flavors.
Present in a white ceramic bowl or tureen with garnishes for a rustic, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (1.5 cups each):

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin A: 80% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegetarian options reduce cholesterol). This dish is high in protein and hearty and filling.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe delivers a hearty, time-saving main dish perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting favorite. Its quick preparation and rustic presentation make it a go-to. The tender beef and savory broth delight with every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing charm.