If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together quickly, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate but without the all-day simmering. I’ve made this countless times for my family, and every time, it turns out tender, flavorful, and downright delicious. Stay with me here — I’ll share my favorite tips to make sure your stew is fall-apart tender and packed with deep flavor every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Convenient: The Instant Pot cooks beef stew in a fraction of the time without sacrificing tenderness.
Deep Flavors Developed: Browning the beef and deglazing creates rich, savory flavor layers.
Balanced Seasoning: The combination of Worcestershire, soy sauce, and herbs gives the stew a perfect umami boost.
Minimal Cleanup: You do most of the cooking in one pot, so less mess to worry about.

A white bowl filled with rich beef stew sitting on a white marbled surface, containing layers of dark brown chunks of beef, orange carrot slices, and light yellow potato pieces in a thick brown broth, garnished with small green parsley bits. A black spoon holds a scoop of beef, carrot, and potato slightly above the bowl. Next to the bowl, torn pieces of bread rest on the white marbled surface, and a small white bowl with a light creamy dip is partly visible on the right. A soft gray cloth is also nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you look at the ingredients for this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, you’ll notice each one plays a vital role, either boosting flavor or texture. The mix of aromatics, umami-rich sauces, and hearty veggies come together beautifully – just like an orchestra hitting all the right notes. Shopping tip: Buy good quality stew meat with some marbling to ensure the beef stays juicy and tender after pressure cooking.

Beef Stew Meat: Look for cuts like chuck that have good marbling; they become meltingly tender under pressure.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential to season the meat and bring out its natural flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps brown the meat and slightly thickens the stew.
Butter: Adds richness and helps in browning the meat.
Beef Broth: The stew’s flavorful base; I recommend using Better Than Bouillon for a more concentrated taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: Gives that savory, tangy depth that beef stews need.
Soy Sauce: Boosts umami and adds subtle saltiness without overpowering the stew.
Brown Sugar: A touch helps balance the savory flavors with mild sweetness.
Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds body and richness.
Dried Rosemary & Thyme: Classic herbs that complement beef beautifully.
Frozen Pearl Onions: Sweet, tender, and fuss-free since you don’t have to chop them.
Mushrooms: Earthy flavor that ties the dish together.
Carrots: Give a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Potatoes: The hearty, comforting carb that soaks up all those delicious juices.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own. I often adjust the veggies based on what’s fresh or on hand. Scaling the herbs up or down can also let you play with the flavor intensity. Don’t be shy about customizing — you’ll discover what you and your family enjoy most!

Variation: I’ve swapped frozen pearl onions for fresh yellow onions sautéed right with the beef – gives a lovely caramelized flavor.
Dietary Modifications: For gluten-free, use cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking instead of flour at the start.
Seasonal Changes: In fall, sometimes I add parsnips or turnips for a seasonal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef

First, toss your stew meat in salt, pepper, and flour – this helps create a beautiful crust as you brown it. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the butter. Once sizzling, carefully place the beef cubes in – don’t overcrowd them! Leave them undisturbed for a few minutes to get that golden-brown crust, then flip them to cook all sides. Remember, browning is your flavor foundation here, so don’t rush it or stir too often.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

After browning, pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom — this is pure gold flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine, letting those fantastic flavors marry before adding the veggies.

Step 3: Add Your Veggies

Wash and chop your mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes into roughly one-inch pieces for even cooking. I love using frozen pearl onions because they’re quick and sweet, but feel free to swap with fresh onions if you prefer. Toss all the veggies into the pot and stir gently to spread everything evenly.

Step 4: Pressure Cook and Serve

Seal the Instant Pot lid and close the steam valve. Use the meat/stew function or manual high-pressure setting and set the timer for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally — this step helps make the beef super tender. Give the stew a final stir, taste, and season with a little more salt if needed. Serve it up warm with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up every savory drop!

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: Those browned bits are flavor gold — they add so much depth.
Natural Pressure Release: Letting the pot release naturally keeps the beef moist and tender, don’t rush.
Use Frozen Pearl Onions: Saves prep time and adds a lovely gentle sweetness.
Beware of Burning the Bottom: When sautéing flour-coated beef, stir minimally and have broth ready to deglaze promptly if needed.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley on top before serving — it brightens the whole dish and adds a fresh bite. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche when serving family-style; it adds a subtle creaminess that’s just lovely against the rich beef.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to side for soaking up every bit of that luscious stew broth. Alternatively, creamy mashed potatoes or flaky biscuits also pair perfectly. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this stew in rustic bread bowls — it adds flair and extra yum factor. Another fun idea is layering it over buttered egg noodles or even polenta for a gourmet twist that guests always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I transfer any leftover stew into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3-4 days, making easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen overnight!

Freezing

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe freezes really well. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore the nice stew consistency. Microwave works fine too; just cover and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck works best for tenderness and flavor, you can use other stew-friendly cuts like brisket or bottom round. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.
Do I need to brown the beef before pressure cooking?

Yes, browning the beef is highly recommended. It develops deeper flavor and adds a lovely texture to the stew. Skipping this step might result in a less savory stew.
Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour. Just add the thickener after pressure cooking, stirring it in and simmering until thickened.
How do I prevent the “burn” warning on my Instant Pot?

Make sure to brown the meat properly, use enough liquid, and deglaze the pot well after browning by scraping up all browned bits. Avoid overheating the sauté function once the flour is in, and don’t let flour stick and burn on the bottom.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Of course! Vegetables like parsnips, turnips, green beans, or peas work well. Add sturdier veggies with the meat, and more delicate ones toward the end to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for busy nights when I want a homey meal that feels special. It’s so satisfying to hear the “mmm” sounds coming from family around the dinner table and know it only took about an hour to make. I hope you’ll give it a try soon — it’s a game-changer if you love classic comfort food with less fuss. Let me know how yours turns out!