Instant Pot Beef Stew – Comfort in a Bowl!

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Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew on a chilly evening. Packed with tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is the ultimate comfort food. The best part? Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can achieve slow-cooked, fall-apart beef in just 40 minutes instead of hours on the stovetop. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a nourishing dish for the whole family, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew

1. Time-Saving

Traditional beef stew can take hours to cook, but the Instant Pot cuts that time in half without sacrificing flavor. With just 40 minutes of pressure cooking, you get a dish that tastes like it has been simmering all day.

2. Ultra-Tender Beef

The high pressure of the Instant Pot breaks down the collagen in the beef, resulting in fork-tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. No more waiting for hours for the perfect stew texture!

3. One-Pot Meal

Who wants to spend time cleaning multiple dishes? This recipe is a true one-pot wonder, meaning less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy your meal.

4. Nutrient-Dense

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions. It’s a hearty meal that keeps you full and satisfied.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This stew stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Make a big batch, and you’ll have quick, ready-to-eat meals for busy days ahead.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Stew:

✔️ 2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
✔️ 4 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
✔️ 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed & cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
✔️ 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
✔️ 4-6 cloves garlic, pressed
✔️ 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
✔️ 1 tsp kosher salt
✔️ ½ tsp ground black pepper
✔️ 3 cups unsalted beef stock or low-sodium broth
✔️ 2 tbsp tomato paste
✔️ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✔️ 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
✔️ 1 tsp dried thyme
✔️ 1 bay leaf
✔️ 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
✔️ Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Ingredients:

• Cut the beef into 1 ½-inch chunks.
• Slice the onions and carrots into thick pieces.
• Scrub, peel (if desired), and cut the potatoes into 1 ½-inch cubes.

2️⃣ Sear the Beef (Essential for Flavor!):

• Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Sear the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.
• Remove the beef and repeat with the remaining oil and beef.

3️⃣ Build the Stew:

• Return the beef to the pot.
• Add onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Stir gently to combine.

4️⃣ Pressure Cook:

• Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
• Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 35 minutes.
• Let the Instant Pot naturally release for 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

5️⃣ Thicken the Stew:

• In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.
• Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cornstarch slurry.
• Switch to Sauté mode and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Ladle the stew into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew

🔥 Sear the Beef First – Browning the beef before pressure cooking creates a rich, deep flavor in the stew. Don’t skip this step!

🔥 Work in Batches – Overcrowding the pot prevents proper browning. Sear the beef in small batches to get an even golden crust.

🔥 Use the Right Cut of Meat – Chuck roast is the best choice for a flavorful, tender stew. Avoid lean cuts, as they tend to dry out under pressure.

🔥 Deglaze the Pot – After searing, add a splash of beef broth or red wine and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This enhances the stew’s depth of flavor.

🔥 Layer Ingredients Properly – Place the beef at the bottom, followed by veggies, and then add the broth and seasonings. This helps everything cook evenly.

🔥 Let the Pressure Naturally Release – A 15-minute natural release keeps the beef extra tender by allowing the pressure to drop gradually.

🔥 Adjust the Thickness – If you prefer a thicker stew, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry while simmering on Sauté mode.

🔥 Taste & Adjust Seasonings – Once the stew is done, give it a taste and add extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.

🔥 Make it Your Own – Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a unique twist on the classic.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Instant Pot Beef Stew with these delicious sides:

🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
🥗 Green Salad – A simple side salad adds freshness.
🥔 Mashed Cauliflower – A low-carb alternative to potatoes.
🍷 Glass of Red Wine – Pairs beautifully with the rich, savory broth.

Storage & Reheating Tips

🧊 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. Add broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes! Beef stew meat or brisket also work well in this recipe.

2. Can I Make This Stew Without Potatoes?

Absolutely! Substitute cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carb option.

3. Can I Cook This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Sear the beef first, then cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.

4. How Can I Add More Vegetables?

Try adding mushrooms, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Final Thoughts on Instant Pot Beef Stew

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and quick meal, this Instant Pot Beef Stew is the answer. With tender beef, rich broth, and flavorful veggies, it’s the perfect balance of nutritious and satisfying. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it foolproof and cuts cooking time in half!

So, whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this Instant Pot Beef Stew is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Who’s making this tonight? Let us know in the comments below! 🍲⬇️

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