Insta Pot beef stew emerges as a hearty, robust meal, effortlessly combining tender beef chunks with a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas. Cooked under pressure, flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth that envelops each ingredient. This modern twist on a classic comfort dish offers both warmth and depth, perfect for satisfying any appetite.
Nothing quite beats a good insta pot beef stew recipes; it is a recipe you pull out when the weather gets cold, and you need a tasty stew to warm up your weary bones. It has a way of warming you up and leaving you feeling cozy, unlike any other winter dish.
This delicious stew is an easy-to-make dish. You can even make it on a busy weeknight. Even in a rush, it won’t alter the delightful layers of divine flavoring.
The savory tender beef, soft potatoes, and wholesome veg give you all you need to feel warm, complete, and happy!
When you have some time to spare, make it on the stovetop. However, you could even try it in a slow cooker if you need to do some errands and chores while you cook!
What Is Insta Pot Beef Stew?
Insta Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish made using the Insta Pot, a popular electric pressure cooker. It combines tender beef pieces, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth infused with spices and herbs.
This modern approach to a classic dish ensures faster cooking times without compromising flavor or texture.
The result? A mouthwatering stew that evokes traditional home-cooked goodness, prepared in a fraction of the time. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and culinary delight.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Keto Replace potatoes with low-carb alternatives like radishes or turnips. Use bone broth for added nutrients.
- Paleo Opt for grass-fed beef. Remove cornstarch; thicken with a blend of tapioca starch and water. Exclude Worcestershire sauce or find a paleo-compliant version.
- Gluten-Free Ensure the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Use a gluten-free thickening agent like arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch.
- Whole30 Skip the cornstarch and tomato paste. Ensure no additives in beef broth and use Whole30-approved seasonings.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Substitute beef with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and omit “Better Than Bouillon.”
Recipe Directions
- Use a 6.5-quart Instant Pot and select “sauté”.
- Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil; wait for “hot” display.
- Brown beef in batches for even cooking.
- Add 1 ½ cups of onions and 4 cloves garlic. Sauté until soft (~3 mins). Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste.
- Pour 3 cups of beef broth. Scrape the pot base to loosen browned bits, preventing the “burn” indicator.
- Stir in ‘Better Than Bouillon’ (1 tbsp), 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp thyme, 1 Bay leaf, and 2 ½ tsp salt and pepper.
- Seal the lid and set it to “manual-high pressure” for 35 minutes. It’ll start automatically.
- After, “quick release” for 10 minutes. Open the lid carefully, and discard the Bay leaf. Enjoy!
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Global Twists: Incorporate flavors like curry spices for an Indian touch or soy sauce and star anise for an Asian flair.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils, chickpeas, or tofu.
Add-Ons
- Veggies: Green beans, corn, bell peppers, or zucchini can add more color and nutrients.
- Grains: Barley or quinoa can be introduced for extra heartiness.
Toppings
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro, basil, or rosemary can elevate flavors.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta can add creaminess.
- Nuts & Seeds: Crushed cashews or pumpkin seeds can offer a delightful crunch.
- Zest: Lemon or orange zest can provide a surprisingly fresh twist.
Can I Make Insta Pot Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- To make beef stew in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet for added flavor. Transfer these to your slow cooker.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, except for thickening agents like cornstarch.
- Cook on ‘Low’ for 7-8 hours or ‘High’ for 3-4 hours. If thickening is desired, mix in the dissolved cornstarch during the last 30 minutes.
Instant Pot
- “Insta Pot” is often used interchangeably with “Instant Pot,” a popular brand of electric pressure cookers.
- So, the provided recipe is already tailored for the Instant Pot.
Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
Store-Bought Broth
- Convenience: Ready to use, it’s a time-saver.
- Consistency: Offers a uniform taste and quality.
- Variety: Comes in multiple flavors – low-sodium, organic, bone broth, etc.
Homemade Broth
- Flavor Control: You can adjust seasoning, richness, and intensity.
- Freshness: Free from preservatives and additives.
- Cost-Effective: Utilize leftover bones and veggie scraps.
- Nutritional Value: Often richer in nutrients, especially if making bone broth.
How To Serve ?
- Rest & Thicken: Allow the stew to rest a few minutes after cooking; this lets flavors meld. If needed, thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
- Warm Bowls: Serve in pre-warmed bowls to retain the stew’s heat longer.
- Accompaniments: Pair with crusty bread or a side of green salad for texture contrast.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dash of black pepper on top for a fresh touch.
- Reheat: If serving later, reheat gently to avoid overcooking the meat.
- Pairing: Consider a robust red wine or cold beer complementing the rich flavors.
- Serving Size: Provide ample broth with meat and veggies in each portion for a balanced bite.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread: Grabs the rich broth and adds a crispy contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes: Offers a creamy base that enhances the stew’s heartiness.
- Steamed Greens: Kale or Swiss chard provides a fresh counter to the stew’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or carrots introduce a sweet note.
- Polenta or Grits: Their creamy texture balances the stew’s meaty components.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy side to break the stew’s savory profile.
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied wine elevates the beef’s flavor.
- Rice Pilaf: Absorbs the broth and provides a mild, grainy contrast.
- Garlic Knots: Adds a garlicky touch, perfect for dipping.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Storage: After cooling, place the stew in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, maintaining its taste and quality.
- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot. Adding a little broth or water can help maintain its consistency.
- Make Ahead: For optimal flavor, prepare the stew a day in advance. The rest period allows flavors to deepen and meld, enhancing the overall taste. Before serving, gently reheat, adjusting the seasoning if necessary, to serve a rich and satisfying meal.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Stew Pies: Fill pie crusts with leftover stew and bake until golden.
- Stew Sandwiches: Layer stew ingredients between toasted bread for a hearty sandwich.
- Stew-Topped Potatoes: Spoon over baked or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
- Stew Pasta: Mix with pasta and a touch of cheese for a twist on pasta bake.
- Stew Omelette: Add to beaten eggs and cook for a meaty, savory breakfast.
- Stew Tacos: Use stew meat and veggies as taco fillings. Add fresh lettuce and salsa.
- Stew Soup: Thin with broth, add veggies, and reheat for a different soup version.
- Stew Croquettes: Combine with breadcrumbs and eggs, form balls, then deep-fry.
- Stew Quesadillas: Spread between tortillas with cheese and grill.
- Stew Stir-Fry: Reheat with added fresh veggies and serve over rice.
Tips
- Select the Right Cut: Choose chuck roast for its marbling, which ensures tender, flavorful meat after pressure cooking.
- Brown the Beef: Sear the beef pieces first to develop a deep, rich flavor in the stew.
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning, use broth or wine to scrape up any browned bits from the pot bottom for added flavor.
- Layer Flavors: Incorporate herbs like thyme and bay leaves early on to infuse the stew with aromatic depth.
- Thicken the Stew: If desired, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth at the end of cooking for a heartier texture.
- Vegetable Size Matters: Cut vegetables into large, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Insta Pot Beef Stew Recipes – A Delectable And Comforting Meal
Course: soup recipeServings
6
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
50
minutesCalories
301
kcalDive into a bowl of hearty Insta Pot Beef Stew. Tender beef chunks, succulent veggies, and a rich broth meld together in the magic of the Instant Pot, offering a delectable and comforting meal in record time.
Ingredients
3-4 Tbsp 3-4 Vegetable Oil
2 lbs 2 Beef Stew Meat (Cut Into ½ Inch Cubes)
1 ½ Cups 1 ½ Onion (Chopped)
4 4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
2 Tbsp 2 Tomato Paste
3 Cups 3 Low-Sodium Beef Broth
1 Tbsp 1 Beef Flavored “Better Than Bouillon”
2 Tbsp 2 Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp 1 Italian Seasoning
½ Tsp ½ Dried Thyme
1 1 Bay Leaf
2 ¼ Tsp 2 ¼ Salt
1 Tsp 1 Black Pepper
2 Cups 2 Russet Potatoes (Peeled And Diced Into ½ Inch Cubes)
2 Cups 2 Carrots ( Peeled And Diced)
1 Cup 1 Peas (Frozen)
3 Tbsp 3 Cornstarch (Dissolved In ¼ Cup Cold Water)
2 Tbsp 2 Parsley (Chopped)
Step-By-Step Directions
- Get a 6.5-quart Instant pot and turn it on the sauté function. Then, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the pot. Then, wait for the display to say “hot,” then add your beef in batches, ensuring they are applied in a single layer and evenly browned.
- Remove the beef to a plate when browned, and then repeat this process as much as needed until all your beef is cooked, using oil as needed.
- Add 1 ½ cups of onions and the 4 cloves of garlic to your instant pot and sauté them until they are soft. This should only take about 3 minutes. Then, add in the 2 tbsp of tomato paste.
- As you do this, stir constantly, then sauté again for another minute.
- Next, stir 3 cups of beef broth, and gently scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen all the brown bits at the bottom of the pan. This is very important as otherwise the ‘burn light’ may switch on.
- Now, you want to add your ‘Better Than Bouillon’ which has been dissolved. Add 1 tbsp of this, 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, ½ tsp of thyme, 1 Bay leaf, then 2 ½ tsp of salt and pepper, and stir to mix.
- Once all this is combined, add 2 cups of potatoes, 2 cups of carrots, and the browned beef you made earlier.
- Now, you will want to lock the lid and set the valve to seal. Set the instant pot function to “manual mode-high pressure” for 35 minutes, and your instant pot will start independently.
- After this, switch the value to the “venting” position to “quick release” for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid with caution. We are aware there will still be some steam remaining. Once the cover is removed, take the Bay leaf out and discard it; you won’t want to eat it accidentally.
- Then, stir the cup of peas very gently and the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry. Now, turn the heat off and let the stew sit for around 3–4 minutes so that it may thicken.
- Once it has thickened, you may now serve.
- Cooking Notes
Be aware that the browning of the beef should be done in stages. You must brown your beef in just a single layer, even if you need to do it in several batches. It is worth the time it takes to do so.
Browning properly in batches will caramelize the beef exterior and create a fond, which is the brown bits at the base of the instant pot, adding flavor to the stew.
When you saute the aromatics, ensure you saute the garlic and onions until soft. When you saute the vegetables it will help to get their mild, sweet flavors out and into the body of the stew. - Equipment List
- Instant Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Slotted Spoon
- Strainer
- Storage Containers
Notes
- Opt for boneless beef cuts for even cooking.
- To retain vegetable firmness, consider adding them midway during pressure cooking.
- For a thicker broth, use a cornstarch slurry post-cooking.
- The stew’s flavor intensifies when refrigerated overnight.
- Consider pairing it with whole-grain bread for added dietary fiber.
- If storing leftovers, ensure the stew cools to room temperature before refrigerating.
- To reinvigorate flavors during reheating, adjust seasonings or add a splash of broth.
Nutrition Table
