My Instant Pot Beef Stew simmers up quickly with flavorful beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and celery. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a busy weeknight!
This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s traditional beef stew, but with a modern twist using the Instant Pot. It’s so much faster and easier than the stovetop version, and the result is just as delicious, maybe even better!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is ready in under an hour, thanks to the Instant Pot!
- Flavorful: The combination of beef, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Hearty & Comforting: This stew is the perfect cozy meal for a cold day. It’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or herbs.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a quick and easy weeknight meal, ready in under an hour. It’s packed with flavorful beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and celery, making it the perfect cozy comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fine ground sea salt to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup dried chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1 large gold potato, diced
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Season the beef with pepper. Preheat Instant Pot to SAUTE and brown beef in oil for 8 minutes.
- Sauté onion for 2 minutes, then add garlic for 1 minute.
- Add broth, coconut aminos, dried onion, parsley, and thyme. Pressure cook on MEAT/STEW for 35 minutes.
- Quick release, then add potatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Pressure cook on MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK for 6 minutes.
- Quick release, season with salt, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives (optional).
Notes
For best results, use high-quality beef broth. If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead. For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot after cooking. Feel free to customize vegetables based on your preference—turnips, parsnips, or peas would be great additions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 47 mins
- Category: Stew
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this wonderful Instant Pot Beef Stew:
- Beef: 1 pound of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use chuck roast or bottom round roast.
- Oil: 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil for browning the beef.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper and fine ground sea salt to taste.
- Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, diced, and 5 cloves of garlic, minced, to build a flavorful base.
- Liquids: 1 cup of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos add depth and richness.
- Dried Herbs: 1/4 cup of dried chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme for that classic stew flavor.
- Root Vegetables: 1 large sweet potato, 1 large gold potato, 2 cups of diced carrots, and 2 cups of diced celery for heartiness and nutrition.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or chives (optional) for a final touch of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Preheat your Instant Pot using the SAUTE function. Season the beef with pepper. When the pot is hot, add the oil and beef. Brown the beef on all sides, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef
Add the broth, coconut aminos, dried onion, parsley, and thyme. Stir. Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing. Press CANCEL, then select MEAT/STEW and set the timer for 35 minutes.
Step 4: Quick Release and Add Vegetables
When the timer beeps, perform a quick release. Open the lid and add the potatoes, carrots, and celery.
Step 5: Pressure Cook Again
Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing. Press CANCEL, then select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK and set the timer for 6 minutes.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Perform a quick release. Open the lid and season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Sear the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef! This step adds a lot of depth to the flavor.
- Quick Release: Be careful when doing a quick release. The steam is very hot!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You may want to add more salt or pepper.
- Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Check out these other great Lunch options too!
Flavor Twists
- Red Wine Beef Stew: Add 1 cup of red wine along with the broth for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Mushroom Beef Stew: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the other vegetables.
- Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
- Herby Beef Stew: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaf. For breakfast lovers, we recommend adding a side of Breakfast sausage.
Can I freeze this beef stew?
This stew is absolutely freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I thicken the stew?
For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew after the second pressure cooking cycle and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or bottom round roast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or mushrooms during the second pressure cooking cycle.
How to Serve
Serve this Instant Pot Beef Stew hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also delicious with a simple green salad or some steamed green beans. For more ideas, explore our Desserts collection—something sweet is always a welcome addition to a warm, satisfying meal.
That’s a Wrap
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
For more delicious dinner inspiration, check out my Dinner recipes. Share your creations on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
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