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Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, the kind that makes you want to snuggle up with a warm bowl of comfort food. Our Instant Pot Beef Stew is everything your cozy dreams are made of—rich, hearty, and perfectly seasoned without all the fuss. You don’t need a culinary degree to whip up this dish; your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and every spoonful bursts with flavors from the tender veggies and aromatic herbs. Whether it’s the depth from the balsamic vinegar or the warmth of the garlic, this stew will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for meal prep or a comforting family dinner, it truly embodies the seasonality of fall and winter cooking. Plus, it’s creamy without a drop of cream! Grab your ingredients, and let’s cozy up with this delightful dish.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Beef Stew (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick Cooking: The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time significantly, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Tender Meat: The pressure cooking method ensures your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Meal Prep Ready: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week—it reheats beautifully.
Dietary Adjustments: Easily modify for gluten-free or low-carb diets.
Hearty & Nourishing: Packed with nutrients from veggies and lean beef to keep you satisfied and healthy.
Family Favorite: A dish that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Chuck Roast – The star of the dish; tender cuts that cook beautifully.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for flavor.
Onion Powder & Italian Seasoning – Adds a savory depth.
Flour – Helps thicken the stew; swap for gluten-free if needed.
Cooking Oil – For browning the beef.
Onion & Garlic – Aromatics that build flavor right from the start.
Tomato Paste & Balsamic Vinegar/Red Wine – Brings richness.
Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes – Hearty, filling, and comforting.
Carrots & Celery – Adds sweetness and crunch.
Worcestershire Sauce & Bay Leaf – Extra layers of flavor.
Beef Broth – A flavorful base for the stew.
Fresh Parsley – For garnish.
Star Anise (optional) – Adds a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Phase 1 – Prep

Cut the Beef: Trim and cut the beef chuck roast into 1-2 inch chunks.
Season: Toss the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Chop Vegetables: Prepare all veggies—onion, garlic, potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, and celery.

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

Sauté: Turn the Instant Pot on to sauté mode. Heat oil and brown the beef chunks in batches for 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Mix in the onions and garlic, cooking until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in Tomato Paste and Vinegar: Cook for another minute, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Combine Everything: Add the broth, veggies, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining Italian seasoning.

Phase 3 – Serve

Pressure Cook: Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release.
Thicken: If desired, create a slurry with cornstarch and add for extra creaminess.
Garnish & Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and enjoy your hearty stew!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Beef Choice: Chuck roast is perfect, but you can also use beef stew meat.
Thicken Wisely: For a thicker stew, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving.
Time Saver: Chop veggies ahead of time and store them for quick prep on cooking day.
Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the balsamic vinegar; it adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Slow Release: For the best texture, let the pressure release naturally, but a quick release works if you’re in a hurry!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pot: Filling the Instant Pot too full can prevent proper cooking. Cook in batches to ensure even browning.

Skipping the Sauté Step: Don’t skip sautéing the beef and aromatics. This step builds essential flavors that make the dish taste fresh and rich.

Not Adjusting Liquid: If the stew seems too thick, add a bit of water or broth after cooking to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free; skip adding any dairy.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Herbal Flavors: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Best Pairings:

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Toppings & Garnishes:

Fresh parsley or chives for added freshness.

Drink Pairing:

A hearty red wine or a glass of sparkling water balances the stew beautifully.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep, and flavors deepen over time.

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze for 2-3 months. Be aware it may slightly alter the texture of the vegetables.

Reheating

Reheat in a microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. Stir occasionally for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works, but it might cook faster—add it near the end of the cooking time.

How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water during cooking for a creamy texture without dairy.

Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just ensure not to exceed the maximum fill line of the Instant Pot.

How to fix a too-thick soup?
Add beef broth or water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Bring your family together with this Instant Pot Beef Stew. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners. Give it a try, and let us know what you think! Enjoy every cozy spoonful and consider trying some of our other delicious recipes as well!