How To Make Beef Stew In Instant Pot

Must Try

Beef Stew Without Potatoes

Instant Pot Recipe | Quick BEEF STEW Recipe | Pressure Cooker Beef Stew

If you need to make this Instant Pot beef stew without potatoes, you could try using a different root vegetable of choice.

  • Worcestershire Sauce. A dash of this umami bomb ingredient will make the flavors pop.
  • Bayleaf + Dried Thyme. For a more flavorful broth with that extra somethin somethin.
  • Tomato Sauce. Instead of making Instant Pot beef stew with tomato paste, the tomato sauce helps give the stew liquid and balances out all the other flavors .
  • Cornstarch+ Water. You can add water to your beef stew with a little cornstarch to help thicken it up.
  • Peas. Fresh or frozen will work here.

What Potatoes Should I Use

I love to use little new potatoes because they keep their shape and have a smooth texture when cooked. Even better, theres no need to peel them and theres minimal chopping!

However, you can use russet potatoes without any change to the cook time. Substitute about 2 cups of chopped russet potatoes in this recipe.

Should I Use Flour Or Cornstarch To Thicken Beef Stew

You can use either flour or cornstarch in this recipe! Whichever way you choose to go, be sure to mix it with cold water first to avoid clumps. And ALWAYS add the thickener after pressure cooking.

Since I grew up eating stew thickened with flour, thats how I wrote this recipe. Stir together the flour and cold water into a slurry. Stir the flour mixture until smooth, add a little of the warm broth from the stew to the flour slurry, and stir some more until smooth. Then pour this whole mixture back into the pressure cooking, again stirring constantly.

However, if you prefer cornstarch thickeners, go for it! Start with 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and add to the cooking pot. Select Saute and simmer until the stew thickens.

Remember, the stew will thicken as it cools, so you dont want to overdo it.

You May Like: How To Steam In Instant Pot Without Steamer Basket

Get The Latest Recipes Right In Your Inbox:

The BEST beef stew recipe ever! So hearty, cozy and comforting! And it can be made SO EASILY right in your pressure cooker! Loaded with flavorful chunks of meat and potatoes that come out amazingly tender.

I wish I could say I made this in preparation for St. Patricks Day this weekend.

But I didnt.

Because as Ive mentioned before, its kind of cold in Southern California. Like 60 degrees cold.

So my routine hasnt changed at all.

Im still in my no-shame sweatpants with a cozy bowl of comfort here.

Loaded with tender chunks of meat and potatoes that just melt in your mouth.

Ive had 4 bowls already, with crusty bread, so I should probably leave the house at some point to work this off.

Side notes:

Dont be worried if you cant find baby Dutch yellow potatoes. You can substitute any kind of potatoes. I just prefer the former as it holds up a bit better in the Instant Pot.

Also, if you dont have an Instant Pot, you can try this slow cooker versioninstead.

Do I Have To Use An Instant Pot For This Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Photo Recipe (1 of 1)

Ever since the Instant Pot took the cooking world by storm there have been several other multi-cookers to hit the market. You dont have to use an Instant Pot for this. You can use any other cooker that has both a sauté and a pressure cooking feature, or just use a plain old pressure cooker and do the browning through deglazing steps in a skillet before transferring everything to the pressure cooker.

OR if you dont have a pressure cooker, you can use a slow cooker just as I did for my Slow Cooker Rosemary Garlic Beef Stew.

Also Check: Cook Frozen Steak In Instant Pot

What Meat Is Best For Beef Stew

I often use chuck roast for beef stew recipe, though Ill also use a round steak or rump roast if its on sale. Both cuts are fairly inexpensive, trim up easily, and result in tender beef stew meat.

Really its about personal preference:

Chuck roast has a little higher fat content than rump roast, which gives you a more flavorful stew.

Round roasts or rump roasts have less marbling, which can make it easier to trim up each bite to discard the meat.

Whatever type of roast you use, be sure to dice it into uniform-sized pieces for even cooking.

How Do You Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

The first step is to brown the chunks of beef directly in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. You may need to do this in two batches, but it should only take about 10 minutes or so, total. If youre in a hurry you can skip this step.

Next, return all the beef back to your pressure cooker and sprinkle with a little flour. Stir immediately to prevent the flour from burning.

Add the garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, and star anise. Mix everything together really well. Now, this is super importantuse a metal spatula to scrape off any brown bits the may be stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Switch from sautéing mode to manual/pressure cook setting. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. After the time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.

Finally, remove the lid, remove the star anise, and set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. In a small bowl stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a thick slurry. Stir into your beef stew.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Don’t Miss: Reheating Ribs In Instant Pot

Instant Pot Beef Stew Faqs

How long should I cook Instant Pot Beef Stew for?

I like to cook my Instant Pot Beef Stew for 12 minutes at pressure and then let it sit until all the pressure has released naturally, this will take an additional 15-20 minutes usually, then I add the vegetables and cook for a few minutes more.

What is the best cut of meat for Instant Pot Beef Stew?

My favorite cut of meat for making really tender Instant Pot Beef stew that cooks reliably well has to be beef chuck. Its a relatively inexpensive cut of beef with plenty of fat and connective tissue which makes for a good, flavorful stew so its always my first choice.

If you dont have chuck roast then pick a cut that you know has plenty fat and connective tissue and is suitable for long slow cooking, this will work much better than beef that you would cook quickly and is very lean, they simply dont work as well for pressure cooking and usually end up dry and stringy.

Should I just use the stew button on my pressure cooker?

On my pressure cooker model the pre programmed stew button usually takes about 35 minutes to cook and I think thats too long for this recipe and you run the risk of overcooking the beef.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, make sure its fully cooled and then portion the stew into freezer proof containers and label them. It should keep in the freezer for up to four months.

How long will it keep in the fridge?

Instant Pot beef stew will keep for up to four days in an airtight container.

Tips From The Pillsbury Kitchens

How to Make Beef Stew in Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker | Quick and Easy Dinner
  • tip 1 Instead of 2 lb of stew meat, you can purchase a 2 1/2- to 3-lb beef chuck roast, and cut it yourself. Trim off the fat, and cut into 2-inch pieces. You should end up with about 2 lb meat.
  • tip 2 Top with chopped fresh parsley for a pretty, fresh garnish.
  • tip 3 Instead of 2 lb of stew meat, you can purchase a 2 1/2- to 3-lb beef chuck roast and cut it yourself. Trim off the fat and cut into 2-inch pieces.
  • tip 4

Also Check: Instant Pot Duo Timer

How Do You Thicken Beef Stew

There are a few ways to thicken a stew. I chose to use a slurry made from some of the broth in the stew, and corn starch. You whisk it together, then add it back into the stew bowl, and let it cook for a few more minutes to cook down and thicken. You have to give it some time to thicken.

Another option is to add additional potatoes, and then scoop some of them out, and blend them up into a paste, then add them back in and let them act as a natural thickener. This is a great option if you dont or cant use corn starch as a thickener.

Recommended Reading: What Does Auto Mean On Instant Pot

Making Beef Stew Gravy

We all know that one of the best parts of beef stew is the rich brown gravy. Since this stew is cooked in a sealed environment , you only need half a cup of broth and some Worcestershire sauce to get things going. Cook the stew for 25 minutes under high pressure and the veggies and meat will let out more liquid as they cook.

Once everythings done cooking, add a slurry made with cornstarch and water and simmer with the Sauté function for a few minutes to thicken the sauce into a gravy. Using cornstarch keeps this beef stew gluten-free, and I find its easier to thicken the sauce at the end rather than start by searing beef thats been tossed in flour .

Also Check: Burn Food On Instant Pot

How To Make Hearty Beef Stew In The Instant Pot

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Posts may contain affiliate links.

Cooler weather brings a hunger for hearty meals, and this Beef Stew is just what youve been looking for.

My Instant Pot swiftly became one of my favorite kitchen appliances. Its right there with my slow cooker.

I add several new posts every week and Never Miss a Thing!

Not only does it let you do lots of passive cooking, when you have so much more you need to be doing around the homestead. But when you dont necessarily have the time for a slow cooker meal, the pressure cooker is a huge short cut!

Dont Flour Your Beef Before Cooking

How To Make the Absolute Best Instant Pot Beef Stew ...

In traditional stew recipes, its common for the uncooked stew meat to be dredged in flour and browned before adding the liquid.

DONT DO THIS IN YOUR PRESSURE COOKER!

Flouring the beef before cooking in the pressure cooker can lead to a thick, flour-y build up on the bottom of your cooking potresulting in a Burn notice and a ruined stew.

Recommended Reading: Insta Pot Frozen Meatballs

Instant Pot Cooking Is Easy

If youre new to pressure cooking , youre going to love it! Its so easy to use and cooks meals in minutes in just one pot . Win-win!

If you dont have an Instant Pot, you can find them online here! It makes the most tender ribs and chops and of course amazing beef stew.

We make homemade beef stew often but this recipe cuts down on time for a flavorful stew in one pot!

Frozen Beef In Instant Pot

Follow directions as stated for best results. Do not skip the step of breaking up the meat halfway thru or it will be tougher than youd like it to be at the end. This I might admit is even better the next day too! Make sure to store in a sealed container with gravy and reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments, its a great next day lunch.

Recommended Reading: Instant Pot Reheat Tamales

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time

Yes! Instant Pot Beef Stew is a great dish to make in advance. Just make from start to finish . Cool completely and store in an airtight container. When youre ready to serve, pour the beef stew into a pot and bring it to a boil. Add in peas. Cook until thawed.

You can also heat the soup individually in microwave-safe bowls. Add the peas before you microwave.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Faq

How to make Beef Stew | Instant Pot Recipes

How long is the Stew setting on the instant pot?

The stew setting is equivalent to 35 minutes on high pressure.

How do you thicken beef stew?

This recipe uses a cornstarch slurrya mixture of cornstarch and water. The stew will continue to thicken as it cools. Its important to use cold or room-temp water to make the slurry, since cornstarch will clump up in hot water instead of dissolving.

What can I substitute for chuck roast?

A variety of beef cuts will work for this recipe, including sirloin, ribeye, or generic stew meat cuts. Chuck roast or ribeye will give you fall apart beef chunks with a really savory broth, but theyre slightly more expensive. A sirloin will be a leaner cut, so a little less fall-apart, but still delicious. Stew meat is a bit of a gamble. Its most often made from chuck or round cuts. Sometimes its great sometimes its questionable. But it is less expensive!

What goes well with stew?

Any bread for dunking and a side salad!

If you make this instant pot beef stew, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, dont forget to tag me on ! I love looking through the photos of recipes you all have made!

mikaela | wyldflour

Recommended Reading: Slow Cooking In Instant Pot Vent

Which Instant Pot Models Have The Meat/stew Button

Sometimes only a few of the Instant Pot models have a specific smart program, and within the series the 3 quart models may not have the button either. The mini model only has so much space on the control panel.

Before you buy your Instant Pot, double-check if the meat/stew button is on both the model and size. Its also possible that earlier versions of a model dont have a button and its added into new models as they adjust the functions of a specific Instant Pot Model.

Dont Miss: Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs 6-6-6

Make Ahead And Meal Prep Tips For This Instant Pot Beef Stew

  • chop the carrots and celery the day before and add them to a zip-top freezer bag in the fridge
  • peel and chop the potatoes and onions and store them in a zip-top freezer bag in the freezer. This prevents the potatoes from changing color and the onions from spreading odors in the fridge.
  • cut the beef into chunks and place in zip-top freezer bags. Store in the fridge.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe makes a big batch with enough for LOTS of leftovers.

In fact, I think I love the flavors even more the next day. So you can make it ahead for a freezer friendly recipe to the next time you are craving beef stew. Or prep it the night before on your Sunday meal prep and portion it out for work or school lunches.

All those thick rich and deep flavors get a chance to build even more overnight.

So delicious and the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

Read Also: Instant Pot Sirloin Tip Roast Recipe

A Homemade Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe

hearty comfortfood

To me, nothing screams comfort more than a big pot of soup or stew. My mom used to make a big batch of homemade beef stew for us on the weekends as soon as the weather got cooler.

It was the ultimate cold weather food and wed always go for seconds and thirds throughout the day.

Homemade Beef Stew is still one of my favorite lazy Sunday meals I make for my own family now and they love it just as much as we did.

Id Love To Knowwhat Are Your Favorite Winter

Instant Pot Beef Stew

FOR MORE FROM PRESSURE COOKING TODAYBrowse our collection of the best pressure cooker / Instant Pot recipes.Follow Pressure Cooking Today on and for the latest updates. Join our . Our positive community of pressure cooking fans use all brands of electric pressure cookers, so its a great resource if you have questions about your particular brand. If youre interested in more than just Instant Pot recipes, follow us at Barbara Bakes. There we post amazing breakfasts, breads, and the best dessert recipes!

Cuisine:Category:

Read Also: Beef Sirloin Instant Pot

Ingredients In Instant Pot Beef Stew

This recipe has so many delicious flavors happening at the same time! Its hard to pick out which part creates the best taste! See the recipe card below for a list of exact ingredient measurements.

  • Stew meat :You can use a chuck roast and cut it yourself, but I find its easiest to just buy stew meat already cut up and trimmed at the butcher counter.
  • Salt: I use kosher salt in this recipe!
  • Black pepper: If you use freshly cracked black pepper then it will bring the most fresh and delicious flavor!
  • Olive oil. For beef stew, I like to cook the meat in a light olive oil canola oil also works.
  • Beef stock: I always use low-sodium so we can control the amount of salt that goes into the dish.
  • Tomato paste: I love to use tomato paste in this beef stew because it helps to thicken the stew. It also has a really concentrated tomato flavor, so it adds a ton of flavor.
  • Tomato puree: You could use tomato puree or canned tomatoes here. My kiddos dont really like whole tomatoes, so I sneak them in this way. If you have canned diced tomatoes on hand, that works too!
  • Bay leaves: These add that deep, earthy flavor that stew have,
  • Sugar: This adds a slight hint of sweetness to counter all of the other flavors.
  • Worcestershire sauce: I use only the tiny bit of this because it is such a strong flavor.
  • Vegetables: I used the classic vegetables in this! Carrots, gold potatoes, onion, celery, frozen peas.
  • Cornstarch and water: These are used to thicken up the stew!

Latest Recipes

More Recipes Like This