Instant Pot Beef Stew
This Instant Pot beef stew is a hearty dinner that’s ready in just about an hour.
Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew is the perfect meal on a cold, fall evening. It warms you from the insides.
This beef stew is made in the Instant Pot, making it ready to go in a fraction of the time compared to cooking on the stove top or in a slow cooker.
Our stew combines chunks of beef with potatoes, carrots, and a rich, broth.
It’s the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you crave a warm, filling meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Beef Stew Meat: Cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Russet Potatoes: Russets are great for stews because they break down slightly, helping to thicken the broth. Peel them for a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for added nutrients and a rustic feel.
Baby Carrots: If you prefer, you can use regular carrots; just peel and slice them into even pieces.
Yellow Onion: Dice it finely so it melts into the broth.
Beef Broth: If you prefer, you can use homemade.
Oil: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well for browning the meat.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the stew.
Italian Seasoning, Pepper, and Salt: This blend of herbs and spices is a perfect blend.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the stew. Mix it with a little cold water to form a slurry before adding it to avoid lumps.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and ad the oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides.
Next, add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot with the beef.
Continue to sauté for about 3 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the garlic to become fragrant.
After sautéing, pour the beef broth into the pot to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Add the cubed potatoes, baby carrots, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Stir everything together to well.
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and make sure the pressure valve is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 30 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, manually release the pressure by carefully turning the pressure valve to venting.
When the pressure is fully released, open the lid.
To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch with two teaspoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew, then set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again.
Let the stew simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve the Instant Pot Beef Stew warm, and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!
Tips for Making the Best Beef Stew
Here are some tips for making this stew:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For tender, flavorful meat, use cuts like chuck roast or beef shoulder. These cuts are perfect for pressure cooking because they become tender and juicy.
Brown the Meat First: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef - this creates a richer flavor base for the stew by caramelizing the meat. Be sure to do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can prevent proper browning.
Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meat, deglaze the pot with beef broth or a splash of red wine to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step adds depth to the stew and prevents the "Burn" notice on the Instant Pot.
Use a Slurry to Thicken the Stew: Cornstarch mixed with cold water creates a slurry that thickens the stew without lumps. Make sure to add it after pressure cooking and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken properly.
Use the Keep Warm Setting: If you’re serving this for a party or gathering, use the Instant Pot’s "Keep Warm" setting. It helps the stew stays warm and delicious until everyone is ready to eat.
Leftovers/Storage
To store leftover Instant Pot beef stew, allow the stew to cool to room temperature.
Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, you can use the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Or, reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
Add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during refrigeration.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
If using a freezer bag, lay it flat to remove excess air and save space in the freezer.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
You can also reheat it in the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring between each to ensure even heating.
Add a bit of broth or water to restore the desired consistency if needed.
What to Pair Beef Stew With
Stew is one of those dishes that is pretty much a meal on it's own. Most often we pair it with some bread and butter, a side salad, and some sort of fruit such as peaches or pears.
Can I use different types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with other meats like lamb, pork, or chicken. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat, but the Instant Pot will still produce tender and flavorful results.
How do I make the stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew after pressure cooking. Let it simmer on the sauté setting for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
How do I avoid the "Burn" notice on my Instant Pot?
Make sure you deglaze the pot after browning the meat by adding broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents food from sticking and helps avoid the "Burn" notice.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 4 cups baby carrots
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Set the instant pot to sauté and add the oil.
- Once oil is hot add the meat. Sauté for 5 minutes to brown the outside of the meat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the broth to deglaze the instant pot liner and then add the cubed potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, and spices.
- Close the lid and seal the pressure valve. Cook on high for 30 minutes.
- Manually release pressure when finished.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. Stir slurry into the stew to thicken.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
Nutrition
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