![To make a great Instant Pot beef stew, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced - 3 carrots, sliced - 2 stalks celery, chopped - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening) When picking out vegetables, choose firm potatoes. Red or Yukon Gold work well. For carrots, look for bright orange ones. Fresh celery should be crisp. Select a large onion for a strong flavor. Garlic should be firm and dry. Beef chuck is perfect for stew. It has a good balance of fat and meat. This cut becomes tender as it cooks. Always pick beef with a bright red color. Avoid brown spots, as they indicate aging. Beef broth is the base of your stew. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Tomato paste adds depth. Dried thyme and rosemary bring herbal notes. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. For the full recipe, check out the Heartwarming Instant Pot Beef Stew 🥘 section. 1. Searing the beef: Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until they are nicely browned. This step adds flavor. Remove the beef and set it aside. 2. Sautéing vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This brings out their sweetness and makes your stew taste better. 3. Combining all ingredients: Now it’s time to add the rest. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and seared beef back into the pot. Pour in the beef broth, add the tomato paste, and sprinkle in dried thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine, making sure the flavors mix. 1. Setting up the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing. This keeps the steam inside, which helps cook the beef. 2. Pressure cooking guidelines: Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Set the timer for 35 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a little time to build pressure before the cooking starts. 3. Natural pressure release: When the cooking time ends, let the pot naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the beef stay tender. After that, carefully switch the valve to Venting to let out any remaining pressure. 1. Thickening the stew: If you like your stew thick, you can make a slurry. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode, stir in the slurry, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until thickened. 2. Adjusting seasoning: Taste your stew. You may want to add more salt or pepper. This is your chance to make it just right for you. 3. Serving suggestions: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Everyone will love this hearty meal. - Adjusting cooking time for different meat cuts: Different cuts of beef may need different cooking times. Chuck is great, but if you choose flank or round, reduce the time to about 25 minutes. Always check meat tenderness before serving. - Enhancing flavor with additional herbs and spices: Don’t shy away from adding more herbs. Fresh parsley or bay leaves can boost the taste. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice kick. Experiment to find what you like best! - Overcrowding the pot while searing: It’s tempting to add all the beef at once, but this can lead to steaming instead of searing. Work in batches to get that nice brown crust. - Skipping the natural pressure release step: Letting the pressure release naturally is crucial. It keeps the meat tender and juicy. If you rush it, you may end up with tough beef. - Best side dishes to pair with beef stew: Creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread work well with beef stew. They soak up the delicious broth. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light touch. - Ideal garnishes and toppings: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a great garnish. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra flavor. Now, you're ready to make your meal a hit! Check out the [Full Recipe] for step-by-step guidance. {{image_2}} You can make beef stew even better by swapping ingredients. For veggies, try adding peas or mushrooms. They add flavor and texture. You can also switch out the beef for chicken or pork. For a meatless option, use lentils or mushrooms. These swaps keep the stew hearty and pleasing. Want to change the taste? Go from classic to spicy by adding chili or paprika. These spices give the stew a nice kick. If you like international flavors, try adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil. For a Mexican twist, add cumin and cilantro. These changes make your stew unique and exciting. To keep your beef stew fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Store the stew in an airtight container. It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This keeps moisture out and prevents spoilage. - Freezing Instructions: For long-term storage, place the stew in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top of the container. This allows for expansion as it freezes. When you're ready to enjoy your stew again, here are the best ways to reheat it: - Best Methods: Use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir well between bursts to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, warm over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture: Add a splash of broth or water if the stew thickens too much. This keeps it moist and flavorful. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. How to make Instant Pot Beef Stew without browning the meat? You can skip browning by adding all ingredients at once. Just mix the beef, veggies, broth, and seasonings in the pot. Set it to cook for 35 minutes on high pressure. The meat will still be tender and flavorful. Can you cook frozen beef in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can cook frozen beef. Just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time. For a 2-pound piece, set it for 45 minutes. Make sure to check the beef's internal temperature after cooking. What is the cooking time for different beef cuts? Different cuts need different times. Here’s a quick guide: - Chuck roast: 35-45 minutes - Brisket: 50-60 minutes - Round roast: 30-40 minutes Adjust based on the size of the meat pieces. Caloric breakdown and macronutrients A serving of this stew has about 350 calories. It offers about 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbs. The exact numbers can vary based on your ingredients. Low-sodium and gluten-free options To make it low-sodium, use low-sodium beef broth. For gluten-free stew, ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. How to adjust the recipe for more or fewer servings To change servings, simply multiply or divide the ingredients. For example, if you need 12 servings, use four times the ingredients. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly for larger batches. Substituting for allergies (gluten-free, dairy-free options) For gluten-free, use gluten-free broth and thickeners. For dairy-free, this recipe is already dairy-free. You can add coconut milk for creaminess if you want. Make sure to check labels when buying ingredients. For the complete instructions, check out the Full Recipe. In this post, we've explored the essentials for making a tasty beef stew. We covered the key ingredients, from fresh veggies to beef chuck and pantry staples. You learned effective steps for preparation and cooking, plus tips to enhance your stew. For variations, you can swap ingredients or change the flavors. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating methods. Beef stew can be a warm, inviting dish anyone can enjoy. With practice, you’ll create a stew that satisfies every time.](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6fb1822a-aa3c-4989-979b-d3ecd2c83f0f-250x250.webp)
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Warm up with this heartwarming Instant Pot beef stew recipe that’s perfect for any family dinner! Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful veggies, this dish is not only comforting but also easy to make. In just one hour, you can serve up a delicious meal that everyone will love. Click now to discover the full recipe and bring a bowl of warmth to your table tonight!