Is there anything better than a bowl of homemade beef stew? But we don’t always have the time to cook all day, right? With that in mind, I’ve come up with the BEST Instant Pot beef stew recipe!
This recipe takes classic comfort food to the next level.
With tender chunks of beef and root vegetables, it delivers deep flavors that will warm your soul. Using an Instant Pot allows you to create this hearty stew in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without the wait.
The best results come from pressure cooking, where the high pressure helps to develop those rich, savory flavors in just a couple of minutes.
This recipe incorporates pantry ingredients like beef stew meat, yellow onion, and baby carrots, along with a splash of balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Whether you serve it immediately or let it sit overnight for even deeper flavors, you’re in for a treat!
With the sauté function, you’ll brown the beef chunks and deglaze the bottom of the pot, ensuring no brown bits are left behind. Once it’s time to cook, a natural release or quick release technique allows the stew to finish perfectly.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this perfect example of a homemade beef stew.
Why Instant Pot Beef Stew is a Must-Try
A bowl of homemade beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, especially on brisk, chilly days. This Instant Pot beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with vibrant root vegetables, delivering deep flavors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
The magic of pressure cooking lies in the high pressure that develops within the Instant Pot, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully while enhancing the dish’s taste. With the sauté function, you can easily brown the beef chunks and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot, creating a savory base for a hearty stew.
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Stew
This rich and hearty stew features beef stew meat, yellow onion, baby carrots, and red potatoes, all contributing to its comforting nature. The addition of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce brings a depth of flavor, while a splash of red wine elevates the broth.
Don’t forget the cornstarch slurry, which thickens the broth into a luscious sauce that clings to each piece of tender beef and root vegetable. For the freshest pop of color, include frozen peas just before serving, adding a delightful crunch to your meal.
Cooking Steps to Perfect Your Stew
To start, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat olive oil, browning the beef on all sides. Once the beef is browned, sauté the chopped yellow onion and garlic until translucent. This process not only enhances the flavor but also helps deglaze the pot, ensuring no brown bits are left behind.
After adding the remaining ingredients, including the beef broth and bay leaves, close the lid and seal the vent. Pressure cook for 35 minutes, and then decide between a natural release or a quick release method to allow the stew to finish cooking.
The Finishing Touches
Once the pressure is released, remove the bay leaves and stir in the cornstarch slurry, which will transform the stew into a thick, glossy masterpiece. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to heat through the frozen peas, ensuring each bite is warm and comforting.
For serving, ladle the stew into large bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and color, and pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This combination creates a cozy and inviting meal setting perfect for any occasion.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers or wish to meal prep, this beef stew holds up beautifully. Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for a future hearty meal.
When reheating, you may want to add a small amount of water or broth to restore the stew’s original consistency. This Instant Pot stew is not only a satisfying dinner option but also a great choice for busy weeknights when you desire a comforting meal without the long cooking time.
The Ultimate Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This rich and hearty beef stew features tender beef, root vegetables, and a savory broth made with beef stock and red wine. Each spoonful is filled with comforting flavors, making it the best beef stew to warm up your chilly days. Pair it with a side of crusty bread for the perfect meal.
The beef stew taste is enhanced by a cornstarch slurry that thickens the broth to create a luscious sauce. Add frozen peas right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 red potatoes, chopped
- 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat the olive oil and add the beef chunks, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Deglaze: Pour in red wine and beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Add Vegetables: Return the beef to the pot along with the chopped potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and bay leaves. Close the lid and seal the vent.
- Pressure Cook: Set to high pressure for 35 minutes. Once cooking is complete, you can perform a natural release or quick release.
- Thicken the Stew: After releasing the pressure, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew. Add frozen peas and let sit for a few minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 395kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Slow-Cooker Crock-Pot Beef Stew Recipe Variation
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
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