There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of old fashioned beef stew to bring comfort to the dinner table. Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this classic meal has been a family favorite for generations.
Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the slow-cooked flavor of traditional beef stew in a fraction of the time without sacrificing taste or texture. This easy Instant Pot beef stew is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
1. Old Fashioned Instant Pot Beef Stew (Yield: 4 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 (16-ounce) bag baby carrots
- 1 cup green beans
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing all of the vegetables. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, cube the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, and trim the green beans if necessary. Keeping the vegetables similar in size helps them cook evenly.
Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and allow it to heat for a couple of minutes. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in a single layer. Brown the meat for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally so several sides develop a rich golden crust. You may need to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Add the diced onion to the browned beef and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the beef mixture and pour in the Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings.
Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. These flavorful bits add richness to the stew while helping prevent the burn warning during pressure cooking.
Stir in the tomato sauce until fully combined with the broth. Add the cubed potatoes and baby carrots, spreading them evenly throughout the pot. Do not stir excessively after adding the vegetables.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the Sealing position. Select Pressure Cook or Manual on High Pressure and set the timer for 35 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After that, carefully perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Add the green beans to the stew and stir gently. Turn the Instant Pot back to the Sauté setting.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew while stirring continuously. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the broth thickens into a rich gravy-like consistency.
Taste the stew and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you prefer a slightly thicker stew, allow it to simmer for another few minutes before serving.
Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls and serve immediately with warm crusty bread, buttered biscuits, or dinner rolls for a comforting meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Instant Pot Beef Stew
Choose well-marbled stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes for the most tender results. The connective tissue breaks down during pressure cooking, creating juicy, flavorful beef.
Take a few extra minutes to brown the beef before pressure cooking. This simple step builds deep flavor and gives the finished stew a richer taste.
Cut the potatoes into fairly large chunks so they hold their shape during cooking instead of falling apart.
If you enjoy extra vegetables, mushrooms, celery, or frozen peas can easily be added. Stir frozen peas into the stew during the final few minutes of cooking.
For an even deeper flavor, prepare the stew a day in advance. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Store leftover stew with plenty of broth to keep the beef and vegetables moist during reheating.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes. Boneless chuck roast is one of the best alternatives because it becomes exceptionally tender under pressure. Round roast and brisket can also be used, although chuck generally provides the richest flavor.
Can I make this stew without tomato sauce?
Yes. You can replace the tomato sauce with diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or additional beef broth for a slightly different flavor profile while still creating a delicious stew.
How long will leftover beef stew last?
Stored in an airtight container, leftover beef stew will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
Can I freeze Instant Pot beef stew?
Absolutely. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with beef stew?
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, homemade biscuits, garlic bread, buttered noodles, steamed rice, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition values are approximate and based on one serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 92 mg |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 670 mg |
| Potassium | 1,180 mg |
| Calcium | 78 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
Old fashioned Instant Pot beef stew delivers everything you love about a traditional homemade stew with the convenience of modern pressure cooking. Tender beef, hearty potatoes, colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth come together to create a meal that’s comforting, filling, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Once you add this recipe to your meal rotation, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare while still tasting like it simmered all day. Serve it with your favorite bread or biscuits, and enjoy a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style.
