There’s something magical about a warm bowl of beef stew on a chilly evening. The rich aroma of tender beef simmering with savory vegetables wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Now imagine all that deliciousness ready in just one pot with minimal effort—that’s where our Instant Pot Beef Stew comes in to save the day.
it’s a Sunday afternoon, the kind where you want to cuddle up in fuzzy socks and hibernate until spring. But there’s dinner to think about! Enter my trusty Instant Pot. With a few ingredients and less than an hour, you’ll have a comforting dish that will make you feel like a culinary superstar while you kick back and enjoy your favorite show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Beef Stew is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that warms your soul
- The one-pot cooking makes cleanup a breeze, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones
- Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!
Every time I whip up this masterpiece, my family feels like royalty—especially when my husband declares it “the best thing I’ve ever made.” Who knew one pot could bring so much joy?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: A good quality chuck roast is essential for tender stewing meat that falls apart beautifully.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and vibrant color; opt for firm ones without blemishes.
- Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture; cut them into even chunks for uniform cooking.
- Onions: Sweet onions add depth; sauté them until they’re translucent for maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the flavor; be generous as garlic lovers will appreciate it!
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth allows better control over saltiness; homemade or store-bought works well here.
- Tomato Paste: A spoonful adds richness and umami; don’t skip this step if you love flavor!
- Dried Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaf): These herbs infuse warmth and fragrance into your stew; fresh is great but dried works perfectly too.
- Pepper & Salt: Essential seasoning—adjust according to taste before serving!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: let’s prepare our ingredients so we can get cooking without feeling like headless chickens.
Prep Your Veggies: Start by chopping the carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavorful oils.
Sear the Meat: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add a drizzle of oil and let it heat up. Brown the beef chuck roast on all sides until it gets that golden crust—about 4 minutes per side will do wonders!
Add Aromatics & Tomato Paste: Toss in those glorious chopped onions and minced garlic once your meat is nicely seared. Cook until fragrant—just 2 minutes—and then stir in tomato paste until everything is well combined.
Combine Ingredients & Broth: Pour in your beef broth while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of your pot—those are pure gold! Add carrots and potatoes next along with dried herbs for an aromatic boost.
Pressure Cook It!: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook at high pressure for 35 minutes. Don’t worry about watching it; go put on your favorite show or take a quick nap!
Naturally Release Pressure & Serve Up!: After cooking time is complete, let it naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Open carefully and give your stew a good stir before serving!
With each spoonful of this Instant Pot Beef Stew hitting your palate with rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked any other way!
Enjoy this comforting dish with some crusty bread or over fluffy rice—your taste buds (and belly) will thank you!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a cozy, heartwarming dish perfect for chilly days
- It’s packed with tender beef and hearty vegetables, making it a family favorite
- The aroma of simmering stew will have everyone rushing to the kitchen for a taste!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by browning the beef before adding vegetables and broth. This step enhances flavor and ensures your stew has that rich, savory profile.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have. Sweet potatoes or mushrooms can add depth, while fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a good quality beef chuck for tenderness; it makes all the difference in flavor
- Always deglaze your pot after browning meat to capture those delicious bits stuck to the bottom
- Letting your stew sit overnight allows flavors to meld beautifully
I remember the first time I made this Instant Pot Beef Stew. My friends were skeptical about cooking beef so quickly, but their faces lit up with delight after one bite!
FAQ
Can I use frozen beef for this Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Yes, but ensure it’s properly thawed before browning for best results.
How long does it take to cook beef stew in an Instant Pot?
It usually takes about 35 minutes under high pressure once prepped.
What sides pair well with Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Instant Pot Beef Stew is a cozy dish that delivers rich flavors and tender meat in under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté and drizzle in oil. Brown the beef chuck roast for about 4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
- Pour in beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Stir well before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using sweet potatoes or adding mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg