Simmering Soul-Warming Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty instant pot beef stew that promises warmth on the coldest nights.

Rich, tender chunks of meat melt against a backdrop of robust vegetables and deep, savory flavors.

The pressure cooker works its magic, breaking down tough cuts into succulent bites that practically dissolve on your tongue.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected spices infuse each spoonful with incredible depth and complexity.

Winter meals demand something substantial, and this stew delivers precisely what you crave.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will become your new cold-weather companion.

Best Way to Save and Store Beef Stew

• Whip up this hearty beef stew in larger quantities for multiple meals throughout the week. Divide into individual portions for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners that save time and energy.
• Cool the stew completely before transferring to airtight freezer containers. Stash away for up to 3 months, creating a delicious emergency meal that's ready in minutes when you need it most.
• Store leftover stew in sealed containers for 35 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and maintain the stew's rich, comforting texture.
• Chop vegetables and season meat in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. This clever approach cuts down on cooking time and makes weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Beef Chuck Roast: Tender, marbled cut perfect for slow cooking with rich, deep flavor. Choose well-marbled meat for maximum juiciness and depth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancers that wake up the meat's natural taste and create a flavor foundation.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide sweet and pungent depth to the stew. Select firm, no-sprout onions and plump garlic cloves.
• Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Hearty vegetables adding texture, sweetness, and rustic charm. Pick firm, vibrant vegetables without blemishes.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle fruity undertone. Use extra virgin for best flavor complexity.
• Beef Broth: Creates rich liquid base that tenderizes meat and builds intense savory notes. Choose low-sodium for better control.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated umami bomb that deepens color and adds robust tomato essence. Seek out dark, thick paste.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaf: Herbaceous warriors bringing woodland aromatics and earthy complexity. Use fresh when possible.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and subtle sweetness as final flavor touch. Select aged, thick balsamic.
• Parsley: Fresh, green garnish that provides visual pop and light herbal freshness.
• Paprika: Warm, slightly smoky spice that adds beautiful color and gentle pepper warmth.
• Flour: Thickening agent that creates luxurious, silky stew texture.

Tools for Making Beef Stew in the Instant Pot

• Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking and sauteing the stew ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Large cutting board: Provides space for chopping vegetables and preparing beef.
• Sharp chef's knife: Crucial for cutting beef and vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping the pot during sauteing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like broth, seasonings, and flour.
• Tongs: Ideal for searing and handling beef in batches without breaking the meat.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Instructions

• Brown the Beef

Heat up your Instant Pot and drizzle some olive oil. Season meat generously with salt and pepper. Sear chunks of beef until they develop a deep golden crust, working in batches to ensure perfect caramelization.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the pot and let them dance until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, a dollop of tomato paste, and sprinkle in herbs like thyme and rosemary. Let the kitchen fill with mouth-watering fragrance.

• Build the Flavor Base

Dust the mixture with a light coating of flour, then pour in rich beef broth. Scrape up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – they’re pure flavor magic.

• Pressure Cook the Magic

Nestle beef back into the pot and surround it with chunks of carrots, potatoes, and celery. Lock the lid and let the Instant Pot work its wonder on high pressure for about 35 minutes.

• Finish and Serve

Once cooking completes, let pressure naturally release. Splash in some balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish, taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve this comforting stew piping hot.

Cooking Tips for Juicy Beef Stew

• Beef Stew Mastery
• Choose chuck roast or beef stew meat with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Pat beef dry before searing to ensure deep golden-brown crust and prevent steaming; work in small batches to maintain high pan temperature.
• Replace regular beef broth with low-sodium version and control salt levels by gradually adding seasoning, allowing more precise flavor control.
• Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
• Experiment with root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety while maintaining similar cooking times.

Beef Stew Serving Presentation Ideas

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty beef stew as the star of your family meal, placing the pot directly on the table for a warm, inviting presentation.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Pair the stew with crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and add a delightful texture contrast.
• Comforting Side Selections: Complement the stew with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts to balance the richness and add fresh nutrients to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the dining experience by serving with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which beautifully matches the deep, savory flavors of the beef stew.

Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty instant pot beef stew delivers rich flavors that dance across your palate with tender meat and robust vegetables. Cozy comfort fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor a classic meal that warms from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) tomato paste
• 2 tbsps (16 g) flour (or cornstarch for GF)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar (added at the end, optional but recommended)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation and Searing: Season beef generously. Activate Instant Pot’s sauté function and heat olive oil. Brown meat in multiple rounds until a rich caramel crust develops, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer seared pieces to a separate plate.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Without cleaning the pot, add additional oil if necessary. Sauté onions until translucent, then incorporate garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Toast spices for 60 seconds to intensify flavors.
3. Liquid Integration: Dust flour over aromatics, stirring to create a roux. Gradually pour beef broth, carefully scraping accumulated browned remnants from pot’s bottom. Return seared meat to pot and introduce carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaf. Mix thoroughly.
4. Pressure Transformation: Secure lid and engage high-pressure mode for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure reduction for 10-15 minutes, followed by swift pressure release to complete cooking process.
5. Final Refinement: Infuse stew with balsamic vinegar for depth. Taste and recalibrate seasonings as needed. Remove bay leaf, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Ensure meat pieces are thoroughly dry before searing to achieve deep, caramelized exterior for maximum flavor development.
• If stew appears too thick, gradually add reserved beef broth or water during natural pressure release to reach desired texture.
• Cut root vegetables into larger, uniform chunks to maintain structural integrity and prevent overcooking during pressure cycle.
• Consider adding a splash of red wine during deglazing or incorporating Worcestershire sauce for additional umami complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg