Looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s super easy to make? My Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe has you covered. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty dish ready to impress your family. I’ll share all the ingredients and tools you need, plus handy tips and tricks to elevate your stew. Get ready to enjoy a cozy dinner, all made in one pot!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings and chilly weather.
- Easy to Make: The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a stew bursting with flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
Cooking Tools Needed
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes cooking easier. Each item plays a key role in the stew’s flavor. The beef chuck gives richness, while the vegetables add texture. Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary boosts the taste. Optional items, like parsley and bread, can enhance your meal. Don’t forget your cooking tools! They help you stay organized and focused. With everything in place, you are ready to create a warm, hearty stew.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
First, turn your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 2 pounds of beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef until it is browned on all sides. This step adds flavor and texture. After browning, remove the beef and set it aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion. Cook it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3 minutes. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for 1 more minute. Next, stir in 3 sliced carrots, 3 diced potatoes, and 1 cup of trimmed green beans cut in half. Cook these veggies for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This step helps to build a strong flavor base.
Cooking Under Pressure
Now, return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. For extra flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select ‘Manual’ mode and set the cooking time to 35 minutes on high pressure. Once the timer goes off, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure. If you want a thicker stew, remove 1 cup of broth, mix it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Return this mix to the pot while still on ‘Sauté’ mode, and stir until thickened.
Finally, discard the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls. Enjoy this hearty meal!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Beef Stew
To make the best beef stew, start with good meat. Use beef chuck for a tender bite. Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Sear the beef well in the Instant Pot. This adds deep flavor. Don’t rush this step.
Next, focus on your aromatics. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft. This brings out their natural sweetness. Add your veggies next. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans all work well. They add color and texture to your stew.
Adjusting Flavor and Seasoning
For a tasty stew, balance is key. Use salt and pepper to enhance all flavors. Add Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. Don’t forget herbs like thyme and rosemary. They bring warmth and depth. If you like spice, consider a dash of cayenne or paprika.
Always taste your stew before serving. Adjust flavors as needed. Add a bit of salt or spice if it seems bland. If you want a richer taste, stir in more tomato paste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your stew is too thin, don’t worry. You can thicken it easily. Mix cornstarch with water and stir it in while it cooks. It will thicken up fast.
If the meat is tough, it may need more time. Beef chuck can be chewy if not cooked long enough. Try cooking it for an extra 10 minutes.
Lastly, if your stew is too salty, add a diced potato. The potato absorbs some saltiness. Let it cook for a few minutes, then remove it before serving.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for beef chuck as it becomes tender and flavorful during the pressure cooking process.
- Layer Your Ingredients: Always sauté the aromatics first to build a base of flavor before adding the other ingredients.
- Don’t Skip the Natural Release: Allowing a natural pressure release helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the meat and vegetables.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Variations
Different Protein Options
You can change the meat in your stew. Try chicken, pork, or even lamb. These meats work well with the same seasonings and veggies. For chicken, use thighs or breasts. For pork, go with shoulder or belly. Cook times may change. Chicken cooks faster, while pork may need more time. Adjust your pressure cooking time to suit the meat you choose.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes. Turnips or parsnips add a unique taste. You can also use peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra color. If you want a lighter stew, add zucchini or squash. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for softer veggies.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, add more herbs or spices. Try adding paprika or cumin for warmth. A splash of red wine enhances the beef’s taste. You can also add a bit of balsamic vinegar for depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. Experiment and find the mix you love best!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your beef stew, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot of stew, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to heat later. Always label your containers with the date.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy the stew again, you have a few options. You can heat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, place the stew in a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir often until it is hot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for two to three minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Freezing Tips
To freeze the beef stew, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Try to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, just like before.
FAQs
How long does Instant Pot Beef Stew last in the fridge?
Your Instant Pot Beef Stew can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. The stew may taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors meld together.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Use the same ingredients and steps. Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a pan. Then, add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew?
You can serve your beef stew with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty bread
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- A fresh garden salad
- Buttered noodles
- Steamed vegetables
These sides will complement the rich flavors of the stew and make your meal even better!
This blog post covered the key elements for a great beef stew. We discussed essential ingredients, helpful cooking tools, and detailed steps for a perfect meal. I shared tips to enhance flavor and troubleshoot issues. You can also explore variations for different proteins and veggies. Lastly, I provided simple storage methods and answers to common questions. With this knowledge, you’re ready to create your own delicious beef stew. Enjoy cooking and make it your ow

Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 unit onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 units carrots, sliced
- 3 units potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 unit bay leaf
- to taste unit salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and green beans, cooking for about 3-5 minutes while stirring.
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select 'Manual' mode, adjust time to 35 minutes on high pressure.
- After cooking, allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- If you desire a thicker stew, remove about 1 cup of stew broth, mix with cornstarch and water, and return to the pot while on 'Sauté' mode. Stir until thickened.
- Discard the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls.


