Introduction
Beef stew made in an Instant Pot brings deep comforting flavors with very little effort. Tender beef, rich broth, and soft vegetables come together in one pot to create a meal that feels slow cooked yet fits into a busy schedule. Each bite delivers warmth and satisfaction.
Cooking beef stew in an Instant Pot allows the meat to become incredibly soft while locking in natural juices. Pressure cooking shortens the cooking time without sacrificing flavor or texture. The result feels like a traditional stew that simmered for hours.
This beef stew instant pot recipe works perfectly for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends. Simple ingredients and clear steps make it approachable for beginners while still pleasing experienced home cooks.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a clear ingredient table with approximate calorie values. Calories may vary depending on portion size and brands used.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories Approx |
|---|---|---|
| Beef chuck cubes | 900 grams | 1500 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Onion chopped | 1 large | 60 |
| Garlic minced | 4 cloves | 20 |
| Carrots sliced | 3 medium | 75 |
| Potatoes cubed | 3 medium | 330 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Beef broth | 3 cups | 45 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | 15 |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon | 10 |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | 3 |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Salt | to taste | 0 |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 2 |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | 60 |
| Water | 2 tablespoons | 0 |
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers slightly.
- Add beef cubes in batches. Brown each side for two to three minutes. Remove beef and set aside to keep juices sealed.
- Add chopped onion to the same pot. Stir and cook until soft and lightly golden. This step builds the base flavor.
- Add minced garlic and stir for thirty seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute. This deepens color and richness.
- Return browned beef to the pot. Mix well with onion and garlic mixture.
- Add carrots and potatoes. Stir gently to combine with beef.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Scrape the bottom to release any stuck bits.
- Add paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Mix thoroughly.
- Close the lid and set valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for thirty five minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for ten minutes, then carefully release remaining pressure.
- Remove bay leaf. Set Instant Pot to saute mode again.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir into stew to thicken.
- Simmer for three to five minutes until stew reaches desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off heat and rest for five minutes before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Use red wine instead of part of the broth for deeper flavor and richness.
Add mushrooms during pressure cooking for extra umami and texture.
Include peas or green beans after pressure cooking for fresh color.
Adjust thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry if a thicker stew is preferred.
Spice lovers can add crushed red pepper or smoked paprika for heat.
Nutritional Information
This nutritional breakdown is approximate per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 38 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 28 grams |
| Fat | 18 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
This beef stew provides balanced protein, vegetables, and satisfying fats. It works well as a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve beef stew hot with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
Pair with steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a filling dinner.
A fresh green salad adds brightness and balance.
Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully.
Conclusion
Beef stew cooked in an Instant Pot delivers comfort and depth without long cooking hours. Tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables create a hearty dish that feels homemade and nourishing.
This recipe fits effortlessly into busy lifestyles while still offering slow cooked flavor. The clear steps and flexible ingredients allow easy adjustments for personal taste.
Once tried, this beef stew instant pot recipe often becomes a regular favorite. It brings warmth, satisfaction, and reliability to the table every time it is prepared.
