There’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew to fill you up on a cool evening, and with this Old Fashioned Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, you can achieve all the rich flavors of a slow-cooked meal in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot makes it possible to tenderize the beef and develop deep, savory flavors in under an hour, without compromising on taste or texture. This recipe is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth that’s perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
1. Old Fashioned Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then toss the meat in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour until evenly coated. The flour helps to create a nice sear on the beef and also thickens the stew.
Step 2. Sear the Beef in the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the floured beef cubes in batches (avoid overcrowding) and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Searing the meat adds depth of flavor to the stew.
Step 3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent. This step adds flavor to the base of the stew.
Step 4. Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the 1 cup of red wine (if using) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This deglazing process enhances the flavor of the stew. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.
If you’re not using wine, simply deglaze the pot with a little beef broth.
Step 5. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Add the 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
Stir everything together to combine.
Step 6. Pressure Cook the Stew
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the Sealing position.
Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (or Manual) mode on high pressure for 35 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before it begins cooking.
Step 7. Natural Release
When the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes. This helps the stew retain its moisture and tenderness.
After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
Step 8. Add the Frozen Peas (Optional)
If you’re adding frozen peas, stir them into the stew after releasing the pressure. The residual heat from the stew will cook the peas in just a couple of minutes.
Step 9. Garnish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete, hearty meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use chuck roast or stew meat for the best results. These cuts are well-marbled and break down beautifully when cooked under pressure, giving you tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Sear the Beef for Flavor: Browning the beef before pressure cooking is essential for developing rich, deep flavors. Don’t skip this step, even though it adds a few extra minutes to the process.
Deglaze the Pot: Always deglaze the Instant Pot after sautéing the beef and onions. This prevents the “Burn” warning and ensures that all those flavorful browned bits are incorporated into the stew.
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: To avoid mushy vegetables, cut the potatoes and carrots into larger chunks. This ensures they hold up during pressure cooking and don’t disintegrate into the stew.
3. Suggested Variations
This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for changing it up:
Substitute the Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute it with an additional cup of beef broth.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the stew, like parsnips, mushrooms, or turnips.
Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew after pressure cooking. Let it simmer for a few minutes on the Sauté setting until thickened.
4. Suggested Pairings
This hearty beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Rice or Egg Noodles: For a different twist, ladle the stew over rice or egg noodles.
Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
This Old Fashioned Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chunks of beef with hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this classic dish in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just craving something cozy, this beef stew is sure to satisfy.