Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a hearty, soul-warming bowl of stew that comes together effortlessly without sacrificing any classic flavor, this Instant Pot Beef Stew will become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chunks of chuck roast, beautifully caramelized veggies, rich beef broth, and just the right thickened finish—all cooked in under an hour with minimal hands-on time. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this stew delivers that satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs goodness you crave, packed with vibrant colors and layers of depth that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, it’s gluten free and perfect for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping ingredients simple and thoughtfully chosen makes this Instant Pot Beef Stew sing. Each component plays an essential role—meaty chuck giving rich body, aromatic vegetables layering flavor, and fresh herbs subtly refreshing the finish. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Chuck roast, 2 pounds cut into 1½ to 2 inch chunks: The perfect cut for tender, juicy beef that doesn’t fall apart too much during pressure cooking.
• Large yellow onion, 1, cut into 1 inch pieces: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor.
• Celery stalks, 3 cut into 1 inch pieces: Brings light crunch and a fresh undertone.
• Large carrots, 3 peeled and diagonally sliced: Contribute natural sweetness and inviting color.
• Minced garlic, 2 tablespoons (4-5 cloves): Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
• Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons: Intensifies the stew’s savory richness with a subtle tang.
• Baby gold potatoes, 1½ pounds halved: Provide hearty texture and absorb the stew’s flavors beautifully.
• Mushrooms, 6 ounces halved or quartered: Earthy notes that deepen the overall taste.
• Unsalted beef stock, 3 cups: The stew’s flavorful base, essential for that luscious broth.
• Dry bay leaves, 3: Infuse subtle herbal fragrance without overpowering.
• Kosher salt, 3 teaspoons (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon (or to taste): Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Cornstarch, 3½ tablespoons mixed with water: Creates the perfect slurry to thicken your stew.
• Frozen peas, 1 cup (optional): A pop of bright green and a subtly sweet finish.
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Neutral oil, as needed for cooking: Helps with browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Searing the Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and warming about a tablespoon of oil. Brown the chuck roast chunks in batches, giving each piece roughly a minute per side. This quick sear locks in juices and creates that rich caramelized flavor which is key to a standout stew. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even browning and remove the beef to a plate once it’s nicely seared; this step truly elevates the final taste.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

Keep the pot on “Sauté” and toss in the onion, celery, and carrots. Let these cook until the onion turns translucent and soft, about a few minutes. Then stir in the garlic until fragrant—this happens quickly, so about 30 seconds will do. Next, add the tomato paste and combine thoroughly as it melds with the veggies, deepening the savory backbone of the stew. If anything starts to stick, a splash of beef stock or water helps to deglaze the pot and scoop up all those flavorful browned bits.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients and Starting Pressure Cooking

Return the seared beef to the pot, along with the baby gold potatoes, mushrooms, beef stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. The liquid should reach close to the max fill line—this ensures your stew has plenty of broth without overflowing. Seal the lid, set the pressure release to “Sealing,” and cook on “Pressure Cook” at high pressure for 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens, tenderizing the meat and melding all the flavors together.

Step 4: Pressure Release and Finishing Touches

After cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any leftover steam. Remove the lid and stir in the frozen peas—they add a refreshing sweetness and color pop. Switch back to “Sauté” and bring the stew just to a simmer.

Step 5: Thickening and Garnishing

Now for the final touch: mix your cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the simmering stew while stirring constantly. This thickens the broth beautifully in just seconds, giving it that comforting, luscious texture we all love. Portion the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant, inviting finish.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic finish that brightens the rich, hearty elements of the stew. Feel free to get creative and try a sprinkle of fresh thyme, a dash of smoked paprika, or even some shaved Parmesan for a little umami kick. These simple touches can personalize your bowl and elevate the experience with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty and filling by itself, but pairing it with rustic focaccia, crusty French bread, or even creamy mashed potatoes makes for a complete, comforting meal. A crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables can lighten things up if you prefer a balance between rich and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Instant Pot Beef Stew in a deep, wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. For an inviting look, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt swirled on top alongside the parsley. If you’re hosting, present it buffet-style with an array of bread and toppings so everyone can customize their bowls—this makes mealtime interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this stew stay fantastic in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making your meal prep even more rewarding. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the goodness.

Freezing

This beef stew freezes exceptionally well. Divide portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The beef and veggies hold their texture nicely, making this an ideal batch-cooking option.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its perfect balance of fat and tenderness, brisket or short ribs can also work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.

Is it necessary to sauté the beef first?

Sautéing the beef creates a caramelized crust that adds tremendous depth and richness to the stew’s flavor. Skipping this step may result in a less robust taste and less appealing color, so it’s highly recommended if time allows.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Definitely! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or even peas and corn toward the end of cooking. Just be mindful of cooking times so vegetables maintain a pleasant texture and don’t overcook.

How do I adjust seasoning if the stew tastes bland after cooking?

Since flavors can mellow during pressure cooking, taste your stew before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of vinegar can also brighten up the dish beautifully.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker instead?

You can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies in a pan before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender. You may need to thicken the stew with cornstarch slurry at the end on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a cozy bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew that comforts both body and soul. With straightforward ingredients and a foolproof cooking method, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves deep, hearty flavors without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, the Instant Pot will become your go-to for this classic dish, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table all year round. Give it a go—you deserve a little bowl of happiness tonight!