Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any season? Look no further! This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is not only delicious but also quick to make, thanks to the Instant Pot’s magical pressure-cooking capabilities. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step by step, ensuring perfect results every time. So, get ready to enjoy a bowl of rich, savory beef stew that the whole family will love!

What is “Instant Pot Beef Stew”?

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a classic dish that’s been made even better with the help of the Instant Pot, a popular electric pressure cooker. Traditional beef stew can take hours to simmer on the stovetop or in the oven, but the Instant Pot drastically reduces the cooking time while still delivering tender beef and flavorful vegetables. The stew is packed with chunks of succulent beef, hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a rich, savory broth that’s seasoned to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Beef Stew

To make the best Instant Pot Beef Stew, you'll need the following ingredients. These components create a balanced, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out:

Meat and Stock Base

• Beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs), cut into 1-inch cubes – Chuck roast is the best cut for stew as it becomes incredibly tender when cooked under pressure.
• Beef broth (4 cups) – The broth adds a rich, savory base for the stew.
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp) – This adds a depth of umami flavor to the broth.

Vegetables

• Carrots (3 large), peeled and sliced into thick rounds – Carrots bring natural sweetness and color.
• Potatoes (4 medium), peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for their texture.
• Onion (1 large), chopped – Onions give the stew a robust flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves), minced – Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the stew.

Seasonings

• Bay leaves (2) – These fragrant leaves add depth to the flavor profile.
• Dried thyme (1 tsp) – A classic herb that complements the beef.
• Dried rosemary (1 tsp) – Rosemary adds a fragrant, piney flavor.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Thickening and Extras

• Flour or cornstarch (2 tbsp) – Used to thicken the stew at the end.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Instant Pot Beef Stew is how adaptable it is. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Meat substitutions: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the beef chuck roast with lamb, pork, or even chicken thighs. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preferences. Green beans, peas, parsnips, or celery would all work well in this stew. You can also toss in frozen vegetables at the end of cooking for a quicker option.
• Broth alternatives: For a richer flavor, you can use red wine or a combination of beef broth and red wine. Or, if you want a lighter stew, opt for chicken or vegetable broth.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the flour for cornstarch or arrowroot powder if you're following a gluten-free diet. You can also thicken the stew with mashed potatoes instead.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's get cooking! Below is a detailed guide to making your Instant Pot Beef Stew from start to finish.

How to Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the beef: Start by patting the beef chuck cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Drying the beef helps achieve a better sear when browning.
2. Brown the beef: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn't burn. This step builds a flavorful base for the stew.
4. Deglaze the pot: Add a splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release the brown bits stuck to the bottom. This is called deglazing, and it ensures all that flavor goes back into your stew.
5. Add the ingredients: Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and the rest of the beef broth. Stir everything together.
6. Cook under pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and set the time for 35 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
7. Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, mix the flour or cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Open the Instant Pot and turn on the "Sauté" function again. Stir in the slurry and let the stew simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Season to taste: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking beef stew in the Instant Pot is pretty straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that could impact your results. Here’s what to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to your stew. Skipping this step can result in a stew that tastes flat.
• Overcrowding the pot: When browning the beef, make sure to do it in batches. Overcrowding the pot will steam the beef instead of browning it, leading to less flavorful meat.
• Not deglazing the pot: Failing to deglaze the pot can cause the Instant Pot to give you a “burn” warning, and you’ll miss out on the flavor of the browned bits stuck to the bottom.
• Undercooking vegetables: While the beef needs a longer cooking time, overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy. Be sure to cut them into large chunks so they hold up during pressure cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when serving stew, but a little attention to detail can elevate the experience. Here are some tips on how to serve and present your Instant Pot Beef Stew like a pro:

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

• In bowls: Serve the stew in wide, shallow bowls to allow the broth and ingredients to shine.
• With crusty bread: Offer some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for soaking up the rich broth.
• Over mashed potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of the stew adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Drizzle of olive oil: For a gourmet touch, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the stew just before serving.
• Serve family-style: If you're feeding a crowd, serve the stew in a large, rustic pot in the center of the table so everyone can help themselves.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Instant Pot Beef Stew turns out perfect every time:

• Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary, use them instead of dried for an even more aromatic stew.
• Cut vegetables evenly: Make sure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Make ahead: Beef stew often tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and reheat it when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen beef? A: Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Pressure cook for 45-50 minutes instead of 35, then continue with the recipe as normal.

Q: Can I skip the wine? A: Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with more beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe with a slow cooker? A: Yes! You can adapt this recipe to a slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 7-8 hours.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe gives you the comforting flavors of a slow-cooked stew, but in a fraction of the time. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this is the ultimate one-pot meal for any night of the week. Plus, it's versatile and easy to customize based on your personal preferences. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this Instant Pot beef stew is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a household favorite!

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