Go Back
To make a hearty beef stew, gather these key items: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 cup frozen peas These ingredients create a rich and cozy stew. Each item plays a role, from the beef providing protein to the veggies adding color and taste. You can enhance your stew with these extra flavors: - 1 cup red wine for depth - 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami - A pinch of cayenne for heat - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for freshness Adding these helps create layers of taste. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have! Don’t worry if you lack something; here are some swaps: - Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. - Use any root vegetable, like parsnips or turnips, in place of carrots. - Ground beef can replace beef chuck if needed. These substitutions keep the stew tasty. You can customize based on what you enjoy or have at home. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above! First, gather your ingredients. You need beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes. Slice the carrots and dice the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This prep sets you up for a smooth cooking process. Now, set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the beef cubes and season them with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, take the beef out and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion looks clear. Next, stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. This adds flavor and helps to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom to get all the tasty bits. After that, return the beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir everything well. Close the lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 35 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the vent to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and stir in the frozen peas. Let it sit for 5 minutes to warm the peas. Before serving, taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make beef tender, start with the right cut. I use beef chuck. It has fat and collagen, which break down during cooking. This gives a rich flavor and softness. Sear the beef first to lock in juices. Browning adds depth to the stew. Make sure to brown all sides for the best taste. Meal prep can save you time. Chop your veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. You can also cut the beef into cubes early. Having everything ready makes cooking quick. Use your Instant Pot to speed up the cooking. A pressure cooker cuts the time needed for tender beef. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Thyme and rosemary add a nice touch. Don’t skip the garlic and onion; they build a great base. Adding tomato paste gives a robust taste. Lastly, deglaze the pot after browning the beef. Scrape up those bits for extra flavor. For a twist, add a splash of red wine or a bit of Worcestershire sauce. This enhances the stew's taste. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch the beef for other meats. Try using chicken or pork. Both options cook well in the Instant Pot. Each will give a new flavor to your stew. For chicken, use 2 lbs of boneless thighs for juicy bites. For pork, use shoulder or loin. Adjust cooking time to about 25 minutes. These meats also absorb the stew's flavors well. You can make a tasty stew without meat too. Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a rich base. Add beans, such as kidney or chickpeas, for protein. To keep it vegan, skip the Worcestershire sauce. Choose a vegan-friendly brand instead. Add a splash of soy sauce for depth. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies. In winter, add root veggies like parsnips or turnips. In spring, toss in fresh peas and asparagus. In summer, zucchini and bell peppers work great. Fall calls for butternut squash or sweet potatoes. These additions bring color and nutrition to your meal. Always adjust the cooking time for tender veggies. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. After you finish your beef stew, let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep leftovers fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. When you are ready to enjoy your stew again, you can reheat it. Pour the stew into a pot. Heat it on medium until it bubbles, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir and check the temperature. Make sure it is hot all the way through. If you want to save your stew for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze beef stew for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as instructed above. For more details about making this stew, check the Full Recipe. Making Instant Pot beef stew takes about one hour. This includes 15 minutes of prep time. The actual cooking time in the pot is about 35 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release for 10 minutes. This quick process makes it easy to enjoy a hearty meal. Yes, you can use frozen beef. However, it will need more cooking time. If your beef is frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the pressure cooking time. Make sure to cut the beef into smaller pieces before freezing. This helps it cook evenly. Beef stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Mashed potatoes for creaminess - Rice for added texture - A fresh green salad for crunch - Steamed vegetables for a healthy touch These sides complement the rich flavors of the stew and make your meal feel complete. For the full recipe, check the link above. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for a tasty Instant Pot beef stew. You learned how to prepare beef and veggies and the cooking steps involved. I also shared tips for tender beef and time-saving meal prep. Plus, you can customize your dish with various proteins or make it vegetarian. Remember, proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. With this guide, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe! Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. In just one hour, you can create a delicious meal that serves six. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to whip up this heartwarming stew that pairs perfectly with crusty bread. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup frozen peas

Instructions
 

Sauté the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

      Deglaze the Pot: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.

        Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

          Pressure Cook: Close the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 35 minutes.

            Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the vent to release any remaining pressure.

              Finish the Stew: Open the lid and stir in the frozen peas. Let it sit for an additional 5 minutes before serving to warm the peas through.

                Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy with fresh crusty bread for dipping!