Quick and Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed; 4 large carrots, sliced thick; 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced; 1 large sweet onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

March 27, 2025

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It’s a chilly evening; the kind where you can practically hear your bones chattering. You open your front door after a long day at work and get hit by the warm aroma of savory herbs and tender beef simmering away in your kitchen. This is not just any ordinary meal; it’s an Instant Pot Beef Stew that will wrap you in a cozy embrace! If you’ve never tried making this dish before, get ready to have your taste buds tickled and your heart warmed.

I remember the first time I made this delightful stew; it was like culinary magic! The Instant Pot transformed tough cuts of meat into buttery morsels that melted in my mouth. Friends gathered around my dining table—some with forks poised midair—waiting for me to declare dinner officially served. Spoiler alert: they went back for seconds (and thirds). It’s the perfect dish for those lazy Sundays or busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have the time to slave over a hot stove.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Beef Stew cooks up quickly while maintaining incredible depth of flavor that rivals traditional methods.
It’s visually stunning with vibrant vegetables peeking through rich broth.
With minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or on its own!

The other night at dinner, my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this stew is. Who knew one recipe could make me feel like a culinary superstar?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Chuck Roast: Look for well-marbled cuts to ensure tenderness and flavor after cooking.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; slice them thick enough so they don’t turn mushy.
Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for creamy texture; cut them into chunks for even cooking.
Onions: Sweet onions work best here; they add depth and balance to the stew.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves release an irresistible aroma as they cook—don’t skip this ingredient!
Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth allows better control over salt levels; homemade is always preferred if you have it!
Bay Leaves: These little leaves pack in flavor; remember to remove them before serving!
Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs lend an aromatic touch; dried thyme works well too if fresh isn’t available.
Pepper and Salt: Season generously throughout the cooking process for balanced flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Sauté Those Veggies!: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “sauté” mode. Add a splash of oil and toss in chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3 minutes will do!

Add Your Meat!: Next up, add cubes of beef chuck roast to the pot. Sear each side until browned for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds richness that will elevate your stew!

Toss in Those Extras!: Now it’s time to throw in carrots, potatoes, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together while inhaling those amazing aromas wafting through your kitchen!

Pour in the Broth!: Carefully add beef broth until everything is submerged (or close enough!). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom—you’ll want all that flavor!

Seal It Up!: Securely close the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “manual” mode on high pressure for 35 minutes. Don’t worry if it takes some time to build pressure—it will be worth every second!

Release & Enjoy!: Once cooking time is complete, let it naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining steam. Open up the lid carefully—be prepared for an aromatic cloud of deliciousness!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew that feels like a warm hug on a plate! Enjoy every spoonful as you sink into cozy bliss after a long day.

You Must Know

Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Sear the beef before pressure cooking.
Let it rest before serving.
A brief resting period allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the beef in the Instant Pot, then add veggies and broth before pressure cooking for about 35 minutes. This sequence maximizes flavors and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or toss in some red pepper flakes for heat. Personalizing your stew is half the fun!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it warms evenly without drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For rich flavor, always choose marbled beef cuts; they add tenderness and depth.
Don’t rush the browning process; it’s where flavor develops.
Lastly, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for brightness.

I remember my first attempt at making Instant Pot Beef Stew—my friends couldn’t believe how delicious it turned out! They cleaned their bowls faster than I could serve seconds.

FAQ

What is the best cut of meat for Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Chuck roast works perfectly due to its marbling and flavor.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen veggies can be used; just adjust cooking time slightly.

How long does Instant Pot Beef Stew last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it lasts up to four days while remaining delicious!

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