There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, hearty beef stew, especially on a chilly evening. I first created this Instant Pot beef stew recipe when I wanted all the depth of flavor of a traditional slow-cooked stew, but without waiting hours. Using the Instant Pot allows the beef to become tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time, while the vegetables soak up all those luscious juices.

What I love most about this stew is how it fills the kitchen with a savory aroma that makes everyone gather around. It’s a dish that feels homemade and wholesome, perfect for family dinners or when you need a little comfort food hug. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen—it’s simple, satisfying, and packs the flavor punch of a slow-cooked masterpiece in under an hour.

Why I Love This Recipe

One of the reasons I adore this Instant Pot beef stew is how effortlessly it transforms ordinary ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. Unlike slow-cooking on the stovetop or oven, the Instant Pot speeds up the process while still giving the beef a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of tender chunks of beef, earthy vegetables, and rich, savory broth creates a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Another reason I love making this stew is its versatility. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, swap in your favorite vegetables, or even tweak the thickness of the broth. It’s perfect for busy weekdays when you want comfort food without the long wait. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in flavors, which makes every bite feel like a warm, comforting embrace.

For anyone who’s hesitant about cooking beef stew because it seems time-consuming or complicated, this recipe proves that you can have a delicious, homemade stew without the hours of labor traditionally required.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

When it comes to the ingredients, the key is to choose fresh, quality items for the best flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef chuck roast – cut into 1-2 inch cubes. This cut is ideal because it becomes tender without falling apart.
Carrots – peeled and cut into thick slices. They add sweetness and color.
Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet, cubed. They absorb the flavors and provide a hearty texture.

Celery stalks – sliced. Adds subtle earthiness to the stew.
Onion – diced. Brings depth to the broth.
Garlic – minced. Essential for that savory aroma.

Beef broth – rich and flavorful, or homemade if you can.
Tomato paste – adds umami and depth.
Worcestershire sauce – enhances the savory notes.

Olive oil or butter – for browning the beef.
Flour – to lightly coat the beef and thicken the stew.
Fresh thyme and rosemary – fragrant herbs that elevate the stew.

Bay leaves – add a subtle layer of complexity.
Salt and black pepper – to taste.
Optional: peas or green beans – for added color and freshness toward the end.

The beauty of this recipe is that these ingredients work together to create a stew that is rich, hearty, and full of flavor, yet still customizable based on what you have on hand.

How Much Time Will You Need

This recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Here’s the approximate timeline:

Prep time: 15-20 minutes (chopping vegetables, cutting beef, and gathering ingredients)

Sautéing and browning beef: 10-15 minutes
Pressure cooking in the Instant Pot: 35 minutes
Natural release and final touches: 10 minutes

So, from start to finish, you can enjoy a steaming bowl of beef stew in under 1.5 hours—much faster than traditional slow-cooked methods.

How to Make This Instant Pot Beef Stew

Creating this stew is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step so there’s no room for confusion.

Step 1: Prepare the beef
Pat the beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour; this helps brown the meat and also thickens the stew later.

Step 2: Sauté the beef
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil or butter. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece gets a nice sear. This step adds flavor and locks in the juices.

Step 3: Cook the aromatics
Once the beef is browned, sauté onions, celery, and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Add liquid and seasonings
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits—it’s packed with flavor.

Step 5: Pressure cook the stew
Return the beef to the pot, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Add vegetables
Add carrots, potatoes, and any other vegetables. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for another 5 minutes to cook the vegetables until tender.

Step 7: Thicken and finish
If the stew needs thickening, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Optional greens
Add peas or green beans at the end and cook on sauté mode for a few minutes to retain color and freshness.

Substitutions

You can easily customize this stew with substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Beef: Use stew beef, short ribs, or even lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips can replace regular potatoes and carrots.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works in a pinch, though beef broth is ideal.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or sage can replace thyme and rosemary for a slightly different aromatic touch.

These swaps allow you to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping it hearty and delicious.

Best Side Dish for Instant Pot Beef Stew

To elevate your meal, here are some side dish options that pair perfectly:

Crusty bread or dinner rolls – perfect for soaking up the stew’s rich broth.

Mashed potatoes – add an extra layer of comfort and creaminess.
Green salad with vinaigrette – balances the richness of the stew with freshness.

Each of these sides enhances the stew experience, creating a full, satisfying meal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

There’s something about presentation that makes a hearty stew feel extra special. I love serving this Instant Pot beef stew in deep bowls, so the rich broth doesn’t spill and every spoonful is satisfying.

For a warm, rustic feel, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprigs. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top not only adds a visual contrast but also enhances the aroma. If you’re serving this for a family dinner, place a small loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side—they’re perfect for dipping.

Layering the vegetables and meat so the colors are visible adds visual appeal: bright orange carrots, golden potatoes, and green herbs make it look inviting and vibrant. I always serve the broth first, then add the chunks of beef and vegetables on top—it makes each portion look generous and comforting.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Even a great recipe can shine brighter with a few extra tricks:

Brown the beef properly: Don’t rush the sauté step. Proper browning develops deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire stew.
Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work, fresh rosemary and thyme give the broth a bright, aromatic punch.

Don’t overcook vegetables: Add tender vegetables like peas or green beans at the end to maintain color and texture.
Thicken naturally: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it sit with the lid off on sauté mode for a few minutes to reduce the liquid before adding any extra thickening agents.
Let it rest: Stew often tastes better the next day. If possible, make it ahead and gently reheat—the flavors meld beautifully over time.

These small tweaks make a noticeable difference, giving your stew that “restaurant-quality” depth and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making stew can be straightforward, but a few pitfalls can impact the final dish:

Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef adds flavor and depth. If you skip it, the stew may taste flat.

Overcooking vegetables: Adding all vegetables at the start can turn them mushy.
Underseasoning: Taste as you go, especially after pressure cooking, since the flavors concentrate differently than on a stovetop.
Rushing pressure release: Letting the pressure release naturally for a few minutes ensures the beef remains tender.

Using watery broth: Thin broth leads to a less flavorful stew. Use rich beef broth or reduce it slightly for maximum taste.

By avoiding these mistakes, your stew will turn out perfectly every time.

How to Store It

Storing your Instant Pot beef stew properly keeps it fresh and flavorful:

Refrigeration: Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Reheating: Avoid boiling the stew when reheating, as it can overcook the vegetables and toughen the meat. Low and slow is best.

Good storage practices mean you can enjoy this stew for multiple meals without losing any of its rich flavor.

FAQ

Can I use other cuts of beef for this stew?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal, short ribs or stew beef cubes work well too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the beef is very lean.

Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Simply omit the flour used for thickening or replace it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will last up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, or even mushrooms can be added depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they remain tender.

Instant Pot Beef Stew