Prepare to create the ultimate, tender, and savory comfort food experience right in your kitchen with this incredible Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe. This guide will walk you through making a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion, especially a chilly evening.
Nothing says comfort quite like a robust, warming beef stew. Traditionally, this deeply satisfying dish requires hours of simmering on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to achieve its signature rich flavors and fork-tender meat. However, with the magic of your pressure cooker, you can achieve the same incredible results in a fraction of the time, making this the perfect weeknight indulgence or last-minute family feast.
This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe features generous chunks of succulent beef, wholesome potatoes, sweet carrots, and bright peas, all bathed in a thick, savory gravy that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a meal that promises to become a cherished family favorite, delivering rich flavor and unmatched tenderness with minimal effort.
What You’ll Discover:
Why This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a Must-Try
Beef stew is synonymous with cozy, cold-weather comfort. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, satisfaction, and homemade goodness. Our Instant Pot version elevates this classic, making it more accessible and quicker to prepare without sacrificing any of the rich, deep flavors you expect.
Imagine this: tender, fall-apart beef, perfectly cooked vegetables that retain their texture, all swimming in a gloriously thick and savory gravy. The carrots lend a subtle sweetness, balancing the robust beefy notes. While traditional stew recipes often demand an entire afternoon of slow cooking, our pressure cooker method transforms this into a meal you can whip up even on your busiest days.
The beauty of the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker like a Ninja Foodi) lies in its ability to dramatically reduce cooking time. This means you can enjoy a hearty, homemade beef stew with all the slow-cooked goodness in a fraction of the time. No more waiting hours for meat to tenderize or planning a day in advance! Whether you’re dealing with thawed or even frozen beef, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor and convenience, bringing that ultimate comfort food experience to your table faster than ever before.
Mastering Your Instant Pot: Pro Tips for Success
Before diving into this delicious recipe, taking a moment to understand your pressure cooker is key to a smooth and safe cooking experience. Always start by thoroughly reading your appliance’s owner’s manual. Each model can have slight variations in operation, and familiarizing yourself with its specific functions will build your confidence.
🎯 Pro Tip: Pressure Cooker Safety First!
One of the most critical aspects of pressure cooking is to avoid overfilling the pot. Always pay close attention to the MAX FILL line indicated inside your pressure cooker. Overfilling can lead to improper pressure build-up and potential safety hazards. For recipes like soups and stews, allowing the pressure to naturally release for at least 5-10 minutes before performing a quick release is recommended. This helps to prevent frothing and ensures a safer, cleaner release of steam, contributing to a better-tasting stew.
Understanding basic pressure cooking principles will quickly turn you into an Instant Pot pro. From sautéing to understanding different pressure release methods, mastering these techniques will open up a world of quick and delicious meals.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Stew
Crafting a truly memorable beef stew begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. This recipe calls for a balanced blend of fresh produce and savory enhancements that come together beautifully in the pressure cooker. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the beef and vegetables, adding a foundational layer of flavor.
- Onion: Sliced and sautéed, onions provide aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Beef Stew Meat: Opt for chuck roast, round steak, or pre-cut stew meat, cubed into roughly 1-inch pieces. This cut becomes incredibly tender under pressure.
- McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning Mix: A convenient blend that infuses your stew with classic savory notes. (See recipe notes for substitution ideas if you prefer to make your own blend or use another brand).
- Dried Thyme: A quintessential herb for beef stew, offering an earthy, slightly minty flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Beef Broth (Low Sodium): The liquid base for your stew, contributing richness and helping to deglaze the pot. Low sodium allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- Carrots: Sliced into 1-inch pieces, these add natural sweetness, color, and texture.
- Celery: Also sliced into 1-inch pieces, celery provides a subtle earthy note and essential aromatics.
- Frozen Peas: Added at the end, peas contribute a pop of color and fresh sweetness without becoming mushy.
🎯 Pro Tip: Keep Your Freezer Stocked!
For convenience and versatility, always keep frozen vegetable mixes in your freezer. They maintain their freshness and nutrients for months, making it incredibly easy to whip up soups, stews, and other dishes without needing a trip to the grocery store. Frozen corn can also be a great alternative to peas!
Customizing Your Beef Stew: Delicious Variations
One of the best things about a classic recipe like beef stew is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire you:
- Potato Power: Instead of large diced potatoes, try using small baby potatoes, halved or quartered, for a rustic touch. You can also swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a delightful hint of sweetness and a boost of nutrients.
- Vegetable Swaps: Replace frozen peas with frozen corn for a different flavor profile and texture. Diced mushrooms can also be stirred in for an umami-rich addition that deepens the stew’s savory notes.
- Meat Alternatives: While beef stew meat is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cuts like chuck roast or round steak, cut into similar 1-inch cubes. These cuts also tenderize beautifully under pressure.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: For a unique twist, stir in a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce during the final simmering stage. This adds a wonderful smoky sweetness that pairs incredibly well with beef.
- Herbaceous Freshness: Before serving, stir in some freshly chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a vibrant aromatic finish.
- Cheesy Topping: For an extra layer of comfort, top individual servings with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
How to Make the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew
Making this hearty beef stew in your Instant Pot is a game-changer. The pressure cooking method not only dramatically speeds up the cooking process but also infuses the meat and vegetables with an unparalleled depth of flavor. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable meal:
The Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function is a key feature in this recipe, allowing you to brown the beef and sauté the onions directly in the pot. This step is crucial, as it builds a robust flavor foundation for the stew.
Browning the Beef and Onions: The Flavor Foundation
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pot indicates it’s hot (it typically displays “HOT”), add your beef stew meat in a single layer. Brown the beef for about 2 minutes on each side. Browning creates a delicious crust and locks in the meat’s juices, contributing significantly to the stew’s overall flavor.
Once the beef is browned, push it to one side of the pot. Add your sliced onions to the other side and sauté them for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. This step mellows their flavor and adds another layer of aromatic goodness to the stew.
Note on Frozen Beef: If you’re using frozen beef cubes, you can skip the browning step for the meat if pressed for time. While browning undoubtedly produces the most flavorful and tender beef, you can still achieve a delicious stew without it. However, I strongly recommend sautéing the onions regardless, as their caramelized sweetness and aroma are vital for the stew’s depth of flavor.
The Art of Deglazing: Unlocking Deeper Flavors
🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t Skip the Fond!
After browning meats and vegetables, you’ll notice delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is called fond (pronounced ‘fawn’), and it’s packed with concentrated flavor. Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to the hot pan to loosen these flavorful bits, incorporating them back into your dish.
Once your beef and onions are sautéed, it’s time for the crucial step of deglazing. Stir the beef and onions together. Then, pour in the beef broth. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot vigorously, ensuring all those flavorful brown bits (the fond) are lifted from the surface and incorporated into the liquid. This process not only adds incredible depth of flavor to your stew but also prevents the dreaded “Burn” error that can sometimes occur in pressure cookers if food is stuck to the bottom. Seriously, do not skip this step!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Stew
This hearty pressure cooker beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a complementary side dish. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Our favorite way to enjoy beef stew is over a bed of fluffy, creamy Instant Pot mashed potatoes. The rich gravy of the stew soaks into the potatoes, creating an incredibly satisfying bite.
- Fluffy Rice: Serve your stew alongside perfectly cooked Jasmine rice made in the Instant Pot for a simple yet effective pairing.
- Comforting Casseroles: For an even more indulgent meal, consider pairing it with a side of the best potato casserole recipe.
- Warm Biscuits or Bread: Don’t forget something to soak up every last drop of that amazing gravy! Homemade biscuits from self-rising flour or a crusty loaf of bread are excellent choices.
This rich, savory beef stew is also a fantastic choice for festive occasions, such as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, bringing warmth and traditional flavors to your holiday table with every comforting spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Instant Pot Beef Stew
Absolutely! If using frozen beef cubes, you can skip browning the meat directly. First, sauté the onions as directed. Then, add the frozen beef cubes along with the other ingredients, adding an extra 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like consistency, it’s easy to achieve! After adding the peas and the pressure cooking cycle is complete, set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” (Normal) mode. Allow the stew to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. The heat will reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce naturally.
While McCormick beef stew seasoning is convenient, you can certainly use any brand of beef stew seasoning you prefer, or even create your own blend. If you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with two cubes of beef bouillon or two tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon paste for a rich, flavorful alternative.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage and reheating will ensure your stew remains delicious:
- To Store in the Fridge: Allow the stew to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat on the Stove: Place the desired amount of stew in a pot over medium heat on the stove. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through.
- To Reheat in the Microwave: For individual portions, transfer the stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until warmed to your liking.
- To Freeze: Once cooled completely, transfer the stew to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Thaw and Reheat from Frozen: Thaw the frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
More Hearty Dinners You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Beef Stew, you’re sure to love these other simple yet delicious dinner ideas:
- Classic Corned Beef in Dutch Oven
- Flavorful Meatballs in Spicy Sauce
- Tender Traeger Smoked Chicken Quarters
We hope you love this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe as much as we do! If you tried it or any other recipe on our website, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and sharing your thoughts in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means the world to us. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Card
Instant Pot Beef Stew
By Renae Gerhardstein
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 9 votes
This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is easy to make in your pressure cooker, and it’s the perfect comfort food for cold weather. Enjoy tender beef and rich flavors made quick and easy for a hearty family meal.
Pin Recipe
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 388 kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1 packet McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning (*see notes for substitutions)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
- ½ pound carrots, sliced 1″
- ½ cup celery, sliced 1″
- ½ cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the olive oil. Once the pot reaches temperature (it typically displays “HOT”), add the stew meat and brown for 2 minutes on each side. Push the browned beef to one side, add the onions to the other side, and sauté the onions for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir the beef and onion together. Add beef broth to the pot to deglaze it, stirring until the bottom is smooth and clear of any fond (browned bits). Add carrots and celery, sprinkle McCormick beef stew seasoning and thyme on top, and stir gently to combine. Secure the lid, close the sealing valve, press cancel, and set for 25 minutes at high pressure. If using frozen beef cubes, add 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time.
- At the end of the pressure cycle, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Wait until all pressure has escaped and the pressure button has dropped before safely opening the pot.
- Press the cancel button, then set the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Add the frozen peas, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes, until they are heated through and the stew has slightly thickened. Serve hot.
Video Tutorial
Notes
- You can use any brand of beef stew seasoning. If you don’t have any beef stew seasoning, use 2 cubes of beef bouillon, 2 tablespoons of Better than Bouillon paste, or double the beef broth for the best flavor.
- One of the biggest risks with pressure cooking comes from overfilling the pot. Pay close attention to the marks in the pot to keep from overfilling it. When making soups, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 5 minutes before initiating a quick release.
- For those who enjoy making soups and stews: keep frozen vegetable mixes in your freezer. They keep for months and are great to have on hand for quick additions.
- Browning meats and vegetables in the pan leaves a flavorful fond (or residue) on the bottom of the pan. Deglazing with liquid incorporates these flavors into your stew.
Recipe Variations:
- Use baby potatoes instead of larger diced potatoes.
- Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes.
- Use frozen corn in place of peas.
- Try a different type of stew meat like chuck roast or round steak.
Storing Instructions:
- To store, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place the bowl in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
- To freeze, simply allow it to cool completely then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Serving: | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 388 kcal |
| Carbohydrates: | 6 g |
| Protein: | 27 g |
| Fat: | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat: | 2 g |
| Cholesterol: | 70 mg |
| Sodium: | 216 mg |
| Potassium: | 552 mg |
| Fiber: | 2 g |
| Sugar: | 3 g |
| Vitamin A: | 4834 IU |
| Vitamin C: | 7 mg |
| Calcium: | 41 mg |
| Iron: | 3 mg |
