Instant Pot Beef Stew Hearty and Savory Recipe

January 4, 2026July 7, 2025 by Chef Remy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

– 2 lbs beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

– 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

The main ingredients create a hearty base for your beef stew. I love using beef chuck because it becomes tender and rich in flavor during cooking. The carrots add sweetness and color, while potatoes bring a creamy texture. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma.

Liquids and Seasonings

– 4 cups beef broth (low sodium if preferred)

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

The liquids and seasonings make the stew come alive. Beef broth enriches the stew with meaty flavor. Tomato paste adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. Worcestershire sauce boosts umami and depth. Thyme and smoked paprika introduce warm, earthy notes that complement the beef.

Additional Ingredients and Garnishes

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the stew)

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

– Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil is essential for searing the beef, enhancing flavor. Cornstarch helps thicken the stew if you like a heartier texture. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch when serving. Always season with salt and pepper to your taste, as this enhances every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

– Trimming and cutting the beef: Start with 2 lbs of beef chuck. Trim off any fat. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes. This helps the beef cook evenly.

– Slicing carrots and potatoes: Take 4 medium carrots. Peel them and slice into rounds. Next, peel 3 medium potatoes and dice them into 1-inch cubes. This size lets them cook well in the stew.

– Chopping onion and mincing garlic: Finely chop 1 large onion. Then, mince 3 cloves of garlic. These add great flavor to the stew.

Key Cooking Steps

– Searing the beef: Select the ‘Sauté’ mode on your Instant Pot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in batches. Sear them for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove the beef and set it aside.

– Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

– Combining all ingredients in the Instant Pot: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and 4 cups of beef broth. Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

Cooking in the Instant Pot

– Setting the correct mode and time for pressure cooking: Close the lid tightly. Make sure the steam release valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ option and set the timer for 35 minutes to cook the stew under pressure.

– Natural release vs. quick release methods: When the cooking time ends, let the pot rest for 10 minutes. This is called a natural release. After that, switch to a quick release to let out any remaining steam. Then, carefully open the lid.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Beef Stew

To achieve the ideal beef texture, select the right cut. I always use beef chuck. It’s tender after cooking and full of flavor. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Searing the beef first adds a rich taste. Don’t rush this step; let it get nice and brown.

Adjusting seasoning improves flavor depth. Start with salt and pepper, then taste the stew. If it needs more kick, add Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley also brighten the dish.

Thickening Options

To thicken your stew, I recommend the cornstarch slurry method. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. It thickens quickly and doesn’t alter the flavor.

You can also use alternate thickening ingredients. Mashed potatoes or pureed vegetables work well. For a richer stew, try adding a bit of flour or even some ground oats.

Cooking Time Adjustments

When cooking for different sized batches, adjust the time slightly. For a smaller batch, you can reduce the pressure cooking time by 5 minutes. For larger amounts, increase it by about 5-10 minutes.

If you use frozen ingredients, cook for a bit longer. Add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. Fresh ingredients cook faster, so keep that in mind to avoid mushy vegetables.

Variations

Adding Extra Vegetables

You can make your beef stew even better by adding more veggies. Seasonal vegetables work great. Think about using:

– Sweet potatoes for a sweet touch

– Parsnips for a nutty flavor

– Turnips for a peppery bite

To add greens, try spinach or kale. They mix in well toward the end of cooking. This way, they stay bright and fresh. Just toss them in for the last few minutes. This adds color and nutrition to your stew.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to change up the flavor? Spice is your friend. Different spices can make your stew unique. Consider:

– Adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat

– Using rosemary for an earthy taste

– Trying cumin for a warm flavor

You can also add a splash of red wine. This gives a rich depth to the stew. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can brighten the taste. Just remember to remove whole herbs before serving.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need gluten-free options, just swap the Worcestershire sauce. Use a gluten-free version or skip it. For low-sodium needs, use low-sodium beef broth. This will help control the salt levels without losing flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste as you go. These changes keep your meal tasty while meeting dietary needs.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your leftover beef stew fresh, let it cool first. Store it in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to use containers that you can seal tightly. This helps prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you know how long it has been stored.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing beef stew is easy and great for meal prep. Let the stew cool down before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the stew’s texture and taste. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot through.

Shelf Life Expectations

In the fridge, beef stew lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. After that, the stew can lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has strange colors, it’s best to throw it away.

FAQs

What can I serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew?

You can pair your beef stew with simple sides. I like to serve it with:

– Crusty bread for dipping

– Mashed potatoes for extra comfort

– A fresh green salad for balance

– Steamed vegetables for color and crunch

These sides make the meal feel complete and cozy.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, you can use different cuts. Beef chuck is great for its flavor and tenderness. Other good options include:

– Brisket, which adds a rich taste

– Round, for a leaner texture

– Short ribs, for a melt-in-your-mouth feel

Each cut offers a unique flavor and texture. Choose what you like best!

How do I make my stew more flavorful?

To boost flavor, try these tips:

– Sear the meat well for a deep taste.

– Use low-sodium beef broth for a rich base.

– Add a splash of red wine for depth.

– Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

These steps can transform a good stew into a great one!

In this article, we explored how to make a rich Instant Pot beef stew. We covered the main ingredients, such as beef chuck, carrots, and potatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You learned tips for perfecting taste and texture, plus variations to try.

Remember, cooking is about creativity. Feel free to make this recipe your own. Enjoy a hearty meal toda