How to Make The Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Inside: Make the best Instant Pot beef stew with tender meat and rich, savory gravy. No tomatoes – just deep, hearty flavors that get even better the next day!
There's nothing quite like a hearty stew to warm you up on a chilly day, and this Instant Pot beef stew recipe delivers deep flavors without the traditional hours of simmering. This savory, rich-flavored stew features tender beef and perfectly cooked root vegetables, all made possible through the magic of pressure cooking. The best part? Like any great stew, the flavors become even more amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Why You Want This Recipe
This Instant Pot pressure cooker recipe stands out because it creates an incredibly rich flavor without relying on tomatoes. Instead, we use a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to develop a complex, savory base. The pressure cooking process ensures your beef stew meat becomes perfectly tender, while the vegetables maintain their texture without becoming mushy.
The secret to the perfect consistency lies at the bottom of the pot, where we create a luxurious gravy using butter and flour, giving you that ideal stew thickness every time. Fresh herbs and carefully timed cooking make this dish restaurant-quality while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 Pounds Pre-Cut Stew Meat
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Large Onion, Chopped
- 1 16 Ounce Bag Baby Carrots, Cut Into Slices
- 1 Pound Potatoes, Cubed, I prefer russet potatoes
- 3 Cups Beef Broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 tbsp flour
This is the Instant Pot that I use. 7-in-1 Functionality: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer. I have only used it for the saute and pressure cooking freatures. I love it, I got rid of my crockpots after I realized how much I love this. The cooking meat from frozen is my favorite thing about it.
How to Make this Homemade Beef Stew
Turn your instant pot to the saute function and brown your stew meat in a small amount of oil while dicing your vegetables. You are not fully cooking the meat, just browning it. Add a little of the beef broth to the pot to scrape up the browned bits, those are full of flavor!
Add vegetables, and top off with beef broth. I like to just cover the vegetables and meat. Set it for 35 minutes or use the Stew button on your machine.
Allow it to natural pressure release for cooked vegetables and tender meat.
While it is releasing pressure, grab a small bowl to melt the butter in. Then mix in the flour to create a thick, almost paste. Once your instant pot has finished releasing, switch it back to the saute feature and give your stew a good stir.
You'll want it to continue to boil, add spoonfuls of broth from your stew into the flour paste and mix well. Continue until you have a flour, gravy slurry. Mix it into your instant pot stew and mix well. Continue to stir until your stew is the consistency you want.
You could also add in some dumplings now for that extra comfort food punch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Beef Stew
- For the most tender beef:
- Don't skip the browning step with olive oil
- Follow the cooking time precisely for perfectly tender beef
- Getting the Right Consistency:
- You want your butter to be hot and melted when you mix the flour into it. It is going to come thick and hard to whisk. This is when you'll start adding the hot beef stock from your instant pot to it.
- Stir frequently when thickening at the end
- I remove excess stock from my pot after the natural release, to create a thicker stew
- Use the sauté function to keep the stew boiling while it thickens
- Vegetable Success:
- Cut root vegetables in similar-sized pieces for even cooking
- Layer vegetables properly in the instant pot
- Consider natural release for tender vegetables and tender fall-apart meat
- Flavor Enhancement:
- Don't rush the browning process
- Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness
- Let it rest before serving to allow flavors to meld
Storage Instructions
This stew improves with time, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. Or the leftovers to fight over the next day, there might be some fighting in our house over them. It doesn't seem to matter how big of a pot I make, there are never enough leftovers the next day.
Here's how to store it properly:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Allow the stew to cool completely
- Transfer to an airtight container
- Keeps for 3-4 days
- The flavor will continue to develop, making it even better the next day
Freezer Storage:
- Cool completely before freezing
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion
- Store for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Leftover Beef Stew:
- Stovetop: Heat slowly, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: Use medium power, stirring halfway through
- Add a splash of beef broth if needed to reach the desired consistency
In the middle of winter, when we are fighting the winter blues, and germs are making their rounds, this hearty instant pot beef stew is the ultimate classic comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker? The Instant Pot pressure cooking method achieves tender beef and deep flavors in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights while maintaining the same rich flavor profile.
Can I use different root vegetables? Yes! While this recipe calls for carrots and potatoes, you can substitute with parsnips, turnips, or other root vegetables. Just ensure they're cut to similar sizes.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, but ensure you don't exceed your Instant Pot's maximum fill line. The cooking time remains the same, but it will take longer to come to pressure.
Why is stew better the next day? Overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld and deepen, while the proteins continue to break down slightly, making the meat even more tender and the overall taste more complex.