The Easiest and Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Easiest and Best Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef stew is a classic dish that embodies comfort and heartiness, making it a beloved meal across diverse cultures.

Traditionally, beef stew consists of tender chunks of beef, accompanied by an assortment of vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, simmered together to create a rich and flavorful broth. This dish holds particular significance in various cuisines, ranging from:

• American

• Irish

• French

• Caribbean

Each culture adds its own unique twist to the recipe.

The timeless appeal of beef stew lies in its versatility; it can be tailored to suit personal tastes and available ingredients, embodying the essence of home-cooked meals.

Historically, the preparation of beef stew involves slow cooking methods that require considerable time and attention, such as braising or simmering on the stove.

While these methods effectively bring out deep flavors and tender textures, they can be quite time-consuming, which may not suit the hectic lifestyles of many home cooks today.

The slow cooker was invented in the 1940s by Irving Naxon, inspired by a story from his mother about a traditional Jewish stew called cholent. Naxon designed a device, the "Naxon Beanery," to cook food slowly over time. In 1971, Rival Company acquired the design, rebranding it as the Crock-Pot and marketing it as a convenient kitchen appliance for busy families.

Its ability to cook meals unattended revolutionized home cooking, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide.

Making beef stew in a slow-cooking Crock-Pot is a simple and rewarding process.

• minimal prep

• tender beef

• hearty vegetables

• flavorful seasonings

Simmer these ingredients together over hours creates a rich, savory dish. The low and slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the flavors meld perfectly.

It's a classic, comforting meal that practically cooks itself!

The Instant Pot emerged as a transformative kitchen appliance and takes the slow-cooker to the next level. Utilizing advanced pressure cooking technology, the Instant Pot reduces the cooking time significantly—turning what could be a several-hour process with the traditional beef stew cooking method and the Crock Pot slow cooker method and transforming cooking a beef stew into a mere hour, even less.

In addition to saving time, one of the key advantages of using an Instant Pot for beef stew is the enhanced flavor extraction. Cooking under pressure allows the collagen in the meat to break down more efficiently, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.

Furthermore, the sealed environment ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully, offering a depth of taste that rivals traditional methods.

For busy individuals and families who love hearty meals but lack substantial time for cooking, the Instant Pot provides an accessible solution, making sumptuous beef stew within reach for everyone.

Ingredients You'll Need for Perfect Beef Stew

To create a delectable Instant Pot beef stew, it is essential to select high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously to develop rich flavors and textures.

The meat:

• marbled chuck roast

The cornerstone of the beef stew is the marbled chuck roast, which provides tenderness and deep flavor due to its fat content. When cooked under pressure in the Instant Pot, this cut of meat becomes exceptionally succulent.

The vegetables:

• potatoes

• carrots

• celery

• celery leafy tops

• mushrooms

• onion

Next, an assortment of vegetables enhances both the taste and nutritional value of the beef stew. Celery contributes a refreshing crunch, while onions add sweetness and depth. Carrots introduce a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, and mushrooms impart an earthy undertone that complements the beef beautifully. The potatoes add heartiness to the overall dish along with absorbing the flavors of the broth.

The seasonings:

• garlic salt

• garlic powder

• italian seasoning

• onion powder

• black pepper

• garlic

• garlic cloves

• dry rosemary

• dry thyme

• brown sugar

Seasonings play a crucial role with flavoring the beef stew. For this recipe, all the seasonings above are fantastic choices, offering a balanced seasoning that enhances the overall taste without overpowering other ingredients.

The liquids & extras:

• extra virgin olive oil

• Worcestershire sauce

• flour

• dry red wine

• beef broth

• tomato paste

• au jus

Using dry red wine not only adds complexity but also helps to deglaze the pot, ensuring that the fabulous browned bits at the bottom are incorporated into the beef stew. Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce serves as the foundational liquids, infusing the stew with moisture and richness. Tomato paste and Au Jus round out this recipe with incorporating a mouth watering flavor enhancement.

It is also essential to consider ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions even when making as simple a recipe as beef stew.

• For those following a gluten-free diet, ensure that the broth and wine are certified gluten-free.

• To cater to a vegetarian option, replace beef with hearty vegetables and switch to vegetable broth, knowing that this will alter the overall flavor profile significantly.

With the right balance of ingredients, your Instant Pot beef stew will be both satisfying and nutritious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To prepare the easiest and best comforting and flavorful beef stew using an Instant Pot, follow these detailed step-by-step instructions.

1. Use a wooden ribbed cutting board and a very sharp knife (this one is my favorite)

   • dice 1 large (2 medium) yellow onions

   • dice 2-3 celery stalks

   • slice in half 1 pound baby red or baby white or a mix of potatoes

   • cut in half 16 oz bag of baby carrots

   • chop 8 oz package of mushrooms into quarters

   • on a separate wooden ribbed cutting board, chop into bite sized cube pieces 3 pounds of marbled chuck roast

2. Add the meat to a mixing bowl, sprinkle over the top of the meat using the following seasonings and then mix and coat well using your hands. Really work the seasonings into the meat and make sure every piece is coated well. This is the best measuring set.

   • 2 tsp garlic salt

   • 1 tsp garlic powder

   • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

   • 1 tsp onion powder

   • 2 tsp black pepper

3. Add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil to the Instant Pot, select the "sauté" button and allow 3 minutes for the oil to heat. Next, while using your measuring set add:

   • 1 large yellow onion

   • 2-3 stalks celery

   • 8 oz package of mushrooms

   • stir with wooden spoon for 3-5 minutes

   • add in 3 cloves minced garlic (1 TBSP) and stir for a minute

   • pour in 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce, stir and scrape bottom of Instant Pot bowl

   • add all 3 pounds of the chuck roast, mix until lightly browned on the edges- about 3 minutes

   • pour in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, stir and coat the meat

   • pour in 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon

   • pour in 4 cups beef broth

   • add 1 tsp of dried rosemary

   • add 1 tsp of dried thyme

   • add 2 TBSP brown sugar and mix all ingredients together well

   • add the 1 pound of potatoes

   • add 16 oz of carrots on the top, do not mix in

   • secure Instant pot lid, make sure knob is in the "seal" position, select the "cancel button", then press the "pressure cook" selection, set timer to 20 minutes, the Instant Pot will automatically start. When the display says "on", the pressure is building, after maximum pressure is obtained the countdown clock with start.

4. Upon completion of the pressure cooking, allow for a 10 minute natural pressure release, finish with a quick pressure release by moving the knob to "venting".

   • remove lid but be very careful of extremely hot steam

   • stir all ingredients

   • add in a 6 oz can of tomato paste and stir until evenly disbursed throughout

   • add in the handful of leafy tops from the celery stalks

   • pour in a 1 oz packet of Au Jus and stir all ingredients together for 1-2 minutes

   • allow beef stew to sit for about 10 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken and the juices to infuse even deeper into the meat and vegetables.

Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the delightful flavor profile achieved through this effortless Instant Pot beef stew.

Ingredients at a glance:

3 pound marbled chuck roast

1 pound baby red or baby white or a mix of potatoes

16 oz bag of baby carrots

2-3 celery stalks

handful of celery leafy tops

8 oz package of baby portobello or white mushrooms

1 large (2 medium) yellow onion

2 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp onion powder

2 tsp black pepper

3 garlic cloves

1 tsp dry rosemary

1 tsp dry thyme

2 TBSP brown sugar (light or dark)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)

4 cups beef broth

6 ounce can of tomato paste

1 oz packet of au jus

Tips & Tricks

1. Browning the beef makes a delectable crust.

   • Browning to create a crust on the beef locks the moisture inside the meat to create the most juicy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. So, don’t skip this step. It takes a bit more effort but is well worth your time.

2. Deglaze the pot and scrape up every brown bit that gets stuck.

   • Deglazing adds richness to the stew and can be done upon adding the Worcestershire sauce or when adding the red wine.

3. Use wine if you like.

   • Adding a dry red wine such as a Pino Noir or my favorite, Cabernet Sauvignon boosts a wonderful rich flavoring.

4. Pile on the vegetables.

   • Don't skimp on the vegetables! Load the beef stew with a lot of healthy vegetables and cut them into larger pieces as the Instant Pot can easily turn vegetables into mush. Not only is this beef stew incredibly flavorful but it can also hold its own as an all-in-one meal.

Wine Pairing

Did you know that red meat and red wine go hand-in-hand? Instant Pot beef stew and red wine are the next bread and butter, the next cat's meow, the next peanut butter and jelly... ok, I'll stop now. They simply belong together! Try this beef stew with a full-bodied Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon (my favorite), or Bordeaux.

Storage Tips

1. Short term storing

   • Refrigerate beef stew in an airtight storage containers (glass preferably but plastic works fine as well) for up to 4 days.

2. Reheating

   • Rewarm leftovers beef stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat or gently in the microwave 30-45 seconds at a time, stir, then add more time if needed.

3. Long term storing

   • Freeze beef stew in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Tips

When it comes to serving your Instant Pot beef stew, the right accompaniments can elevate your dish considerably.

• A classic pairing is crusty bread, which can be used to soak up the rich, savory broth. A warm baguette or sourdough loaf offers a delightful contrast in texture.

• Alternatively, serving your beef stew over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes can create a wholesome hearty meal.

• For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing your beef stew with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. These herbs provide a burst of color and a hint of freshness, balancing the rich flavors.

• Another garnish option is a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, which can add a creamy, tangy element, making the dish even more enjoyable.

Enjoy every comforting bite!

See more of Stephie's collection

Discover more of Stephie's delicious, quirky, and fun cooking creations. Plus her favorite kitchen appliances.

Crispy Honey Baked Chicken Breast

Ninja Foodi Mac and Cheese

Top 5 Best Knife Manufacturers

Best Ice Cream Makers

Stephie wants to know... Did you find this article helpful? If you did, please check out some of my other articles- quirky family recipes, fun and tasty cooking creations, and my favorite helpful kitchen appliances. Sign up below and share this article with your friends and family. Can't wait for you to read more of my articles!

What are customer's saying...

Here's what our customers have to say about our amazing recipes!

Wow! The family absolutely loves this recipe for beef stew. It's hearty, flavorful, and we get to have leftovers. I look forward to every fall season when I get to make fun new recipes in my Instant Pot. Thank you Stephie!

Ally E. - New Town, ND

It gets cold up here in Alaska. This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is perfect during long cold winter months here. Fills my family to the brim plus makes the house smell good.

Charlie K. - Anchorage, AK

★★★★★

★★★★★