Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew on a chilly day. This hearty classic comes together quickly and tastes like it simmered for hours.
Tender beef, robust vegetables, and rich broth make Instant Pot Beef Stew a weeknight winner. It’s flavorful enough for guests yet easy enough for a cozy family dinner.
Must-Have Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Beef Stew Meat – The star protein, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender under pressure.
- Beef Broth – Deepens the savory richness and ties everything together.
- Potatoes – Hearty and filling, they soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Baby Carrots – Sweet, earthy bites that balance the savory broth.
- Onion – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic – Infuses the stew with aromatic warmth.
- Tomato Sauce – Provides a subtle tang and a velvety base.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds an umami punch that elevates the flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – Brings a touch of herbaceousness to each bite.
Quick and Cozy Steps for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Set your Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil until shimmering. Brown the beef stew meat evenly, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build a deep, savory base. Deglaze the pot with beef broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chopped onion, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and tomato sauce. Secure the lid and steam valve, then cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before a quick release to finish.
For a hearty texture, whisk cornstarch with cold water, stir it into the stew, and let it thicken to perfection. The result? A robust, comforting bowl that’s ready to enjoy.
Tips & Tasty Twists for Instant Pot Beef Stew
For an extra layer of flavor, sear the meat in small batches so it browns beautifully instead of steaming. Want to sneak in more veggies? Try adding peas or green beans after cooking—this keeps them vibrant and tender. Prefer a bit of heat? A pinch of crushed red pepper does wonders without overpowering the comforting flavors.
If you’d like a deeper, more complex broth, splash in a bit of red wine while deglazing. For a gluten-free version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder if needed.
How to Keep Instant Pot Beef Stew Fresh
Store any leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying. When you’re ready for another bowl, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a comforting, quick meal anytime.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 10- ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 16- ounce bag baby carrots sliced
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil into the Instant Pot and activate the sauté function. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the beef stew meat inside, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the beef until it develops a rich brown crust on all sides. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that any browned bits stuck to the base are loosened with a spoon. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and tomato sauce. Secure the lid and close the steam valve. Set to cook under high pressure for 35 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then incorporate this mixture into the stew, stirring until the broth thickens to the desired consistency.
