This Instant Pot Beef Stew is warm and hearty, perfect for a cozy meal. It has tender beef, tasty veggies, and a rich broth that brings everything together in no time!
Seriously, the flavors are amazing! Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? I just set it and forget it, then enjoy the deliciousness without all the fuss. Yum! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews because it becomes tender during cooking. If you can’t find chuck, you can use brisket or round steak instead.
Olive Oil: Great for browning the beef, but feel free to swap it for vegetable or canola oil if you want. Both will work just fine!
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if you have it. You can also use vegetable broth or bone broth as a substitute for a different taste.
Red Wine: This is optional, but it adds depth. If you prefer not to use wine, try more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic, but you can also add bell peppers or parsnips for extra flavor. If you want to keep it low-carb, use turnips instead of potatoes.
How Do I Properly Brown the Beef in the Instant Pot?
Browning the beef is key for flavor, and here’s how to do it right:
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat your oil until it shimmers.
- Add the beef cubes in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot, or they won’t brown well.
- Season each batch with salt and pepper before flipping to brown all sides.
- Once browned, remove the beef and set aside before moving on to the onions.
This step adds amazing flavor to your stew, so don’t rush it!
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot, plus an additional 10 minutes for natural pressure release. You’ll be enjoying a warm, hearty meal in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef:
Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Add the beef cubes in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef pieces and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until it softens, about 3–4 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Base:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux, which adds thickness to the stew.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
Carefully pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir well to deglaze the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this adds extra flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pressure Cook:
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ at high pressure for 35 minutes.
7. Release Pressure:
Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
8. Add Peas:
Once the lid is safe to open, stir in the frozen peas and switch the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. It’s perfect alongside some crusty bread for dipping!
Enjoy your comforting, rich Instant Pot Beef Stew! It’s a wonderful dish that warms the heart and soul. 😊
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef for even cooking, but you can use frozen beef if needed. Just make sure to thaw it completely before browning to ensure proper cooking and flavor. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine?
If you don’t want to use red wine, you can simply replace it with more beef broth for moisture and flavor. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice can also work as a non-alcoholic substitute.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
