There are few meals as universally comforting as a bowl of beef stew. It’s warm, hearty, deeply savory, and feels like a hug in food form. This Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew delivers all the slow-simmered flavor you crave—but in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together in one pot with minimal effort and maximum reward.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or craving something cozy on a cold evening, this recipe is a reliable go-to. It’s classic, uncomplicated, and incredibly satisfying, while still leaving room for customization based on what you have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew
This recipe is designed for real life. It uses simple ingredients, doesn’t require fancy techniques, and delivers consistent results every single time. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and flavor, turning affordable beef stew meat into melt-in-your-mouth tender bites in under an hour.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy home cooks who want comfort food fast
- Beginners who want a foolproof Instant Pot meal
- Anyone who loves classic, hearty, no-frills dinners
- Meal preppers looking for freezer-friendly recipes
It’s naturally dairy-free, easy to adapt for different diets, and makes excellent leftovers—arguably even better the next day.
Ingredients for Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and hearty stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
These ingredients work together to create deep, savory flavor without needing a long ingredient list or specialty items.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following tools to make cooking smooth and stress-free:
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle (for serving)
That’s it—no extra pots, no complicated gadgets.
How to Make Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides to build flavor, then remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to fully dissolve the tomato paste and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, allow a 10-minute natural release, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Open the lid, stir, and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Brown the beef well: This step adds depth and richness to the final stew. Don’t rush it.
- Cut vegetables evenly: This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
- Deglaze properly: Scraping the bottom of the pot prevents burn warnings and adds flavor.
- Let it rest: Stew thickens slightly as it cools, making leftovers even better.
Easy Shortcuts
Use pre-cut stew meat to save prep time
- Buy pre-chopped carrots and celery if available
- Skip browning if you’re in a rush (though flavor will be slightly lighter)
Recipe Variations and Swaps
This Instant Pot beef stew is incredibly flexible. Here are some popular variations:
- Add herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary add extra aroma
- Make it thicker: Mash a few potatoes into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry
- Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for turnips or cauliflower
- Extra veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or parsnips work beautifully
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes
What to Serve with Beef Stew
This stew is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Steamed green beans
Drink pairings:
- A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon
- Dark beer or stout
- Sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator:
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot.
Notes and Helpful Tips
- This stew thickens naturally as it cools
- Flavor improves after a day in the fridge
- Great for batch cooking and meal prep
- Easily doubled for large families or gatherings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but browning won’t be possible. Increase pressure cook time by 5 minutes.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Absolutely. Substitute with more carrots, celery, or low-carb vegetables.
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast or pre-cut stew meat are ideal for tender results.
Can I use homemade broth?
Yes, homemade beef broth will make the stew even richer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew is everything a comfort food classic should be: hearty, flavorful, easy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and anytime you need something warm and nourishing.
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