This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting classic made easy and fast with tender chunks of beef, soft carrots, potatoes, and a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, packed with all those familiar, satisfying tastes we love in a good stew.
I love using the Instant Pot for this because it cuts down the cooking time so much, yet still makes the beef beautifully tender and the veggies perfectly cooked. Plus, it lets all those flavors blend together in a way that takes a little patience on the stove, but happens in no time here. I usually toss in some fresh herbs at the end for a pop of color and extra flavor—it makes all the difference.
One of my favorite ways to eat this stew is with a thick slice of crusty bread or over soft mashed potatoes, soaking up all that delicious sauce. It’s a meal that’s easy to throw together on a busy day but still feels special and filling. Whenever I make it, the whole family gathers around the table with big smiles, ready to enjoy every spoonful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This is the best choice because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or short ribs work well too.
Beef Broth: Use a good-quality broth or stock for depth. If you’re short on beef broth, low-sodium chicken broth plus a splash of soy sauce can work fine.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery add sweetness, earthiness, and texture. Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add mushrooms for richness.
Herbs and Seasonings: Dried thyme and rosemary bring classic stew aroma. Fresh herbs at the end brighten things up. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of balsamic vinegar makes a good substitute.
How Do You Get Tender, Flavorful Beef Quickly in the Instant Pot?
Tender beef is the heart of any good stew. The Instant Pot speeds this up but it’s key to brown the meat first. This step locks in flavor and helps create depth in your stew’s sauce.
- Heat oil on “Sauté” and brown beef in small batches to avoid steaming.
- Don’t skip the natural pressure release after cooking—it lets juices settle and makes meat more tender.
- Add vegetables after the first cook so they don’t overcook and stay just right.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Instant Pot or pressure cooker – I use it because it cooks beef quickly and makes it super tender.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping vegetables and beef into even pieces.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps scrape up browned bits and stir ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately add broth, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Small bowl – for mixing cornstarch and water if thickening is desired.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef chuck for stew meat or even chicken thighs for a different protein that cooks just as well in the pressure cooker.
- Use red wine instead of some beef broth for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or peas at the end for extra color and flavor.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley on top before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 40 minutes for pressure cooking and natural release. Adding the vegetables and the second cook takes about 10 more minutes. So, in total, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat the olive oil. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the meat in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot. Once browned all over, remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute to bring out its rich flavor.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine well.
4. Pressure Cook the Beef:
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release remaining pressure.
5. Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking:
Open the lid and add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Close the lid again and pressure cook on high for another 5 minutes. Then, quick release the pressure.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional) and Serve:
If you want a thicker stew, turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” and stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the stew thickens. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve your beef stew warm, garnished with fresh rosemary or parsley for a lovely touch.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef cubes, but it’s best to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight for even cooking and browning. If cooking from frozen, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time.
How Can I Make the Stew Thicker?
To thicken the stew, stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) after cooking, then set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Can I Prepare This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the stew a day in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors will develop even more overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” before serving.
What Side Dishes Go Well with Instant Pot Beef Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles—all great for soaking up the rich, savory sauce. A simple green salad is also a nice, fresh contrast.