Easy & Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a steaming, rich bowl of homemade beef stew to warm your soul and fill your belly. This classic dish is the epitome of comfort food, often evoking memories of cozy evenings and family gatherings. Traditionally, creating that perfect stew – with its melt-in-your-mouth tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables swimming in a deeply flavorful broth – requires hours of simmering on the stovetop. While the result is undoubtedly worth the wait, modern life doesn’t always afford us the luxury of such extensive cooking times.
But what if you could achieve that same incredible depth of flavor and fork-tender perfection in a fraction of the time? Thanks to the versatility and efficiency of the Instant Pot, you absolutely can! Our Instant Pot beef stew recipe is a culinary revelation, delivering all the hearty goodness you crave in approximately one hour, from start to finish. This isn’t just a quicker version; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves robust, satisfying dinners without the extensive prep and cook time. It means less time waiting and more time enjoying that ultimate comfort food experience.
Why the Instant Pot is Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Beef Stew
The Instant Pot, or any electric pressure cooker, has revolutionized home cooking, especially for dishes that traditionally demand long, slow cooking. For beef stew, its high-pressure environment works wonders:
- Unrivaled Tenderness in Record Time: The high-pressure steam quickly breaks down the collagen in tougher cuts of beef, transforming them into incredibly tender, succulent morsels that practically melt in your mouth. You’ll achieve that coveted fall-apart texture in about 35 minutes of pressure cooking, a stark contrast to the 2-3 hours required on a traditional stovetop.
- Intensified Flavors: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot traps all the aromatic steam and juices, preventing evaporation and concentrating the flavors. This allows the beef broth, vegetables, and seasonings to meld together more deeply and richly than open-pot cooking, resulting in a profoundly flavorful stew.
- Speed and Efficiency for Busy Lifestyles: The entire process, from browning the meat and sautéing aromatics to pressure cooking and natural release, can be completed in around an hour. This makes a traditionally weekend-only dish accessible for even the busiest weeknights.
- Convenient One-Pot Cooking: The Instant Pot handles multiple cooking stages in a single vessel. You can sauté your beef and vegetables directly in the pot, then switch to pressure cooking without transferring ingredients. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also significantly reduces cleanup.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, need to impress last-minute company, or simply desire a bowl of soul-soothing comfort after a long day, this Instant Pot beef stew is your ideal solution. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, even with its thoughtfully selected array of delicious ingredients, and the results are consistently spectacular. Prepare to wonder how you ever made beef stew any other way!
Looking for another comforting and quick Instant Pot meal? You might also love our Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe!
Crafting the Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into creating this delectable and satisfying stew. The true beauty of this recipe lies not only in its incredibly tender results but also in its straightforward steps and how quickly it brings together a symphony of deep, savory flavors.
Gather Your Essential Ingredients for a Rich Stew
A truly great beef stew begins with a careful selection of quality ingredients. For this robust Instant Pot beef stew, you’ll need a harmonious combination of fresh produce, savory liquids, and aromatic seasonings that will all contribute to its complex flavor profile.
Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to make this flavorful and hearty beef stew:
- Stew Beef (1-2 lbs): Opt for beef chuck, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This cut is ideal for stewing as it contains enough fat and connective tissue to become incredibly tender and flavorful under pressure.
- Olive Oil (3 Tablespoons, divided): Used for initially coating the beef and later for sautéing the aromatic vegetables. Dividing the oil ensures optimal browning at each stage.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 Tablespoons): This helps create a beautiful crust on the beef when browned, contributing depth of flavor, and also acts as a gentle thickening agent for the stew.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Fundamental seasonings that enhance and balance all the other flavors in the stew. Adjust according to your preference.
- Butter (1 Tablespoon): Adds a touch of richness and aids in sautéing the vegetables, imparting a deeper, more rounded flavor.
- Small Onion, diced (1): Provides a sweet and pungent aromatic base, essential for any savory stew.
- Celery, diced (1/2 cup): A crucial component of the classic mirepoix, adding subtle flavor and a hint of freshness.
- Garlic, diced (2 Tablespoons): An absolute must-have for its pungent, savory notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 bag): A convenient and quick way to incorporate a variety of vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans, adding color, nutrients, and texture without extra chopping.
- Russet Potatoes, cubed (6): Hearty, starchy, and perfect for absorbing the rich broth, they become wonderfully tender during pressure cooking.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): The primary liquid base for your stew, providing a deep, savory foundation and ensuring enough liquid for pressure cooking.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 cup): A secret weapon for adding a complex layer of umami, tang, and depth to the stew’s flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Enhances the savory notes and overall richness, contributing to the “beefy” flavor.
- Tomato Paste (2 Tablespoons): Provides a concentrated tomato flavor, a hint of acidity, and deepens the color of the stew.
- Dry Mustard (1-2 Tablespoons): A surprising but brilliant ingredient that adds a subtle tang and dramatically boosts the beef flavor without making the stew taste overtly “mustardy.”
- Beefy Mushroom Soup Mix (1 packet): This seasoning packet is a true flavor powerhouse, contributing a unique richness and an umami punch that truly elevates this stew beyond the ordinary.
- Italian Seasoning (2 Tablespoons, optional): For an additional layer of aromatic herbal notes, complementing the savory base.
While this ingredient list may appear comprehensive, rest assured that each component plays a crucial role in building the stew’s incredible and satisfying flavor profile. The process itself is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Preparing and Browning Your Beef for Maximum Depth of Flavor
The initial preparation and browning of the beef are critical steps for developing a deep, savory foundation that will permeate your entire stew.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, begin by thoroughly coating your cubed stew beef with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This oil helps the subsequent dry ingredients adhere evenly. Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef until each piece is uniformly coated. This vital step not only seasons the meat but also prepares it for a beautiful sear, which locks in juices and contributes significantly to the stew’s rich flavor and enticing color.
Sautéing Aromatics in the Instant Pot
Following the beef preparation, we’ll use the Instant Pot’s convenient sauté function to build the initial layers of aromatic flavor. This is the stage where your kitchen will begin to fill with truly enticing smells!
Activate the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot, setting it to normal heat. Once the inner pot indicates it’s hot (it might display “Hot” or “On”), add the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the fats to melt and sizzle gently. Then, add the diced onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté them for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant, slightly softened, and translucent. This quick sauté caramelizes their natural sugars and releases their aromatic compounds, setting a delicious stage for the beef and other stew components.
Combining All Ingredients for Pressure Cooking
After the aromatics are fragrant, it’s time to add the beef and combine all the wonderful components that will transform into a rich stew. Browning the beef at this stage is essential for developing complex flavors and a beautiful color for your finished dish. Remember, you don’t need to cook the beef through entirely; a good sear on all sides is what we’re aiming for.
Carefully add the flour-coated beef to the Instant Pot. Brown the beef on all sides in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam rather than sear the meat. Once the beef has achieved a nice sear, add all the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot: the bag of frozen mixed vegetables, the cubed russet potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, dry mustard, the Beefy Mushroom soup mix, and the Italian seasoning (if you’re using it). Stir everything together thoroughly with a sturdy spoon to ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated in the savory liquids and seasonings. This ensures a consistent flavor profile throughout the stew.
Pressure Cooking to Tender Perfection
Now, the Instant Pot takes over to perform its culinary magic, transforming these simple, delicious ingredients into a deeply flavorful and tender stew with minimal effort on your part.
Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Ensure that the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position (or “turned off,” depending on your specific model). Select the “Beef” function on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time for 35 minutes. If your model doesn’t feature a dedicated “Beef” function, you can simply use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, resist the urge to immediately open the pot. Instead, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This natural release is crucial as it helps the meat to remain incredibly tender and prevents the stew from violently boiling over. After 15 minutes have passed, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the venting knob to the “Venting” position. Always exercise caution and keep your face and hands away from the steam release vent.
Serving Your Delicious Instant Pot Beef Stew
Once the pressure has been fully released and the lid is safely opened, take a moment to savor the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen. Give the stew a gentle stir to mix everything thoroughly. You’ll find the beef to be wonderfully tender, easily falling apart with a fork, and the vegetables perfectly cooked – soft yet still holding their shape, all bathed in a thick, savory, and rich broth.
Serve this hearty beef stew hot, ideally with a side of crusty French bread, warm dinner rolls, or fluffy biscuits for soaking up every last drop of the exquisite sauce. It’s a complete and satisfying meal in itself, perfect for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply as a comforting treat after a long day. We are confident that you will adore this incredibly satisfying and surprisingly quick Instant Pot beef stew recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Beef Stew
Can I use different types of vegetables in my beef stew?
Absolutely! While frozen mixed vegetables offer convenience, feel free to customize your stew with your favorite produce. Classic additions include pearl onions, parsnips, turnips, or even mushrooms. Hardier vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be added at the beginning of the cooking process. Softer vegetables, such as peas or corn (if not already in your mixed veggies), can be stirred in during the natural pressure release or just after cooking to prevent them from becoming overly mushy.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin after cooking?
The flour used to coat the beef typically helps thicken the stew sufficiently. However, if you prefer a thicker consistency after the pressure cooking cycle, you can easily create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function and stir in the slurry. Allow the stew to simmer for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until it reaches your desired thickness. Another trick is to remove about half a cup of the cooked potatoes, mash them with a fork, and stir them back into the stew; the starch will help thicken it naturally.
Can this beef stew recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, beef stew is one of those fantastic dishes that often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to fully meld and develop. You can cook the entire stew, allow it to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. This stew also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
What is the best cut of beef to use for Instant Pot beef stew?
For Instant Pot beef stew, beef chuck or pre-cut “stew meat” are excellent choices. These cuts are typically tougher but contain a good amount of collagen and marbling. Under the high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot, this collagen breaks down beautifully, resulting in incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful beef that holds up well during cooking. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin, as they can become dry and tough under pressure.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can certainly adapt this delicious recipe to be gluten-free. Instead of using all-purpose flour to coat the beef, substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or an equal amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Additionally, ensure that your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce are certified gluten-free, as many standard brands of these ingredients may contain wheat. You can also omit the flour coating entirely and thicken the stew at the end using a cornstarch slurry, as described above, ensuring the cornstarch is mixed with cold water first.
More Delicious Instant Pot Dinners to Explore:
- Instant Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
- Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
- Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
Speedy Instant Pot Beef Stew
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs stew beef cut into 1” cubes
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 2 Tablespoons garlic diced
- 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables
- 6 russet potatoes cut into 1” cubes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-2 Tablespoons dry mustard
- 1 packet of Beefy Mushroom soup mix
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
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In a medium-sized bowl, toss to coat beef with 1 tbsp olive oil. Then, add flour, salt, and pepper and toss to coat.
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Set Instant Pot to sauté function.
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Add butter and 2 tbsp olive oil. Allow to sizzle.
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Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add beef. Brown beef, but do not cool all the way through.
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Add remainder of ingredients and stir to mix.
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Set Instant pot to Beef function for 35 minutes. Make sure venting is turned off and close lid.
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Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Release remainder of pressure by venting Instant Pot.
Nutrition
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This recipe was proudly featured on Meal Plan Monday and The Weekend Potluck.