Craving a warm, hearty meal? You’re in for a treat with this Instant Pot Beef Stew! This dish combines tender beef, rich broth, and fresh veggies for a comforting experience. I’ll guide you through easy steps and tips to make this stew a family favorite. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the ingredients and make your next meal unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a comforting stew in just over an hour.
- Flavorful Depth: The combination of herbs, beef broth, and tomato paste creates a rich and savory flavor that warms the soul.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this stew with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a versatile recipe for every season.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
If you run out of beef chuck, you can use brisket or round. For a lighter stew, swap beef for chicken. You can replace potatoes with sweet potatoes or parsnips. If you dislike celery, use green beans or zucchini. Dried herbs work, but fresh herbs give a great taste. You can also skip the tomato paste for a simpler stew.
Recommended Tools and Equipment
To make this dish, you need an Instant Pot. A good cutting board and chef’s knife are essential for chopping. A mixing bowl is handy for the cornstarch mixture. Use measuring spoons and cups to get the right amounts. Lastly, a ladle helps serve the stew without making a mess.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. You will need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 ribs of celery, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to chop everything before you start cooking. This helps the process go smoothly. After chopping, set the ingredients aside in bowls or on a cutting board.
Cooking Process in the Instant Pot
Now, let’s cook! Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the Sauté function. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add your beef cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides. This gives the stew a nice flavor. After browning, take the beef out and set it aside.
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes next. Pour in the beef broth, add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, so the flavors mix.
Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function. Set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure. This will make the beef tender and full of flavor.
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.
Final Steps for Serving
Remove the bay leaf from the stew. To thicken the stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté for a few minutes. This helps the stew reach your desired thickness.
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve the beef stew hot, and don’t forget to garnish it with fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting bowl of beef stew!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Browning Beef
Browning beef adds great flavor to your stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot Instant Pot on the Sauté function.
- Don’t crowd the pot; brown in batches.
- Let the beef sear without moving it too much.
- Brown all sides for a rich color.
- Set aside the beef to keep it juicy.
How to Achieve Perfect Consistency
You want your stew thick, not watery. Here are some tips:
- Add cornstarch mixed with water at the end.
- Use the Sauté function to thicken after cooking.
- If too thick, stir in some beef broth.
- Let it simmer briefly for the best texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef stew with these ideas:
- Pair it with crusty bread for dipping.
- Serve over mashed potatoes for a twist.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Add a side salad for extra crunch.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine for warmth.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Browned Beef: For the best flavor, make sure to brown the beef cubes in batches rather than overcrowding the pot. This ensures an even sear.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Mushrooms, parsnips, or peas can add great flavor to the stew.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer on the sauté function for a few extra minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancements: For added depth of flavor, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients.

Variations
Adding Different Vegetables
You can switch up the veggies in this stew. Add peas for sweetness. Green beans provide a nice crunch. Mushrooms bring a rich flavor. You can also try squash for a unique twist. Just keep the cooking times in mind. Harder veggies like carrots and potatoes need more time. Soft veggies, like spinach, can go in at the end.
Alternative Protein Options
Beef is great, but don’t stop there. Chicken works well too. Use chicken thighs for a juicy bite. You can even try pork for a different taste. For a meatless version, chickpeas or lentils are perfect. They add protein and fiber to your dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for these proteins.
Flavor Enhancements and Seasoning Alternatives
To boost flavor, think outside the box. Add a splash of red wine for depth. Worcestershire sauce can add a savory kick. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can brighten the stew. If you love spice, toss in some red pepper flakes. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Always taste as you go to find your perfect blend.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your beef stew, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to fill the container only to the top. Leaving some space helps with heat and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This stew tastes even better the next day!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in a bowl for two to three minutes. Stir every minute to help it heat evenly. On the stovetop, warm it in a pot over low heat. Stir often until it is hot throughout.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some stew for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the stew cool fully. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy this hearty dish anytime!
FAQs
How long to cook beef stew in an Instant Pot?
You should cook beef stew in an Instant Pot for 35 minutes on high pressure. This time helps make the beef tender. After cooking, let the pot sit for 10 minutes. This is called natural release. Then, you can quick release the rest of the steam.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef for this recipe. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to come to pressure. It may add about 10 to 15 minutes to your cooking time. Make sure the beef is in smaller cubes for even cooking.
How to make Instant Pot beef stew thicker?
To thicken your beef stew, use cornstarch. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew after cooking. Then, set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Cook for a few minutes until the stew thickens to your liking. You can also use flour or a roux if you prefer.
This blog post covered everything you need for a great Instant Pot beef stew. We explored the right ingredients, tools, and steps for cooking. I shared helpful tips for browning beef and achieving the perfect stew consistency. Plus, I provided ideas for variations and storage.
With these guidelines, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results. You have the skills to make this stew your ow

Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 rib celery, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
- for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove browned beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the time for 35 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the lid. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew. Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté for a few minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.


