Instant Pot Beef Stew

User Reviews

4.9

54 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    50 mins

  • Inactive time

    35 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 40 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    384 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew features tender cubes of beef cooked with hearty vegetables in a rich tomato-infused broth. Browning the beef before pressure cooking intensifies flavor, while the combination of beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings creates a savory and balanced stew. The method includes finishing with a cornstarch slurry to thicken the cooking liquid into a satisfying gravy.

Description

The recipe begins by searing beef cubes in batches using olive oil, which locks in juices and adds deep caramelized flavors. Onions and garlic are sautéed in the same pot to build a flavorful base, then combined with beef broth and tomato paste to enrich the stew’s sauce. Worcestershire sauce brings additional umami and complexity.

After adding carrots, celery, and large chunks of Yukon gold potatoes along with the beef, the stew pressure cooks for a set time ensuring everything becomes tender. The final step involves mixing in cornstarch to thicken the broth into a smooth gravy, coating the meat and vegetables for a hearty finish.

Adjust tomato paste quantity if using the more concentrated tube form, as it may intensify the flavor. This stew can be adapted for stovetop or slow cooker methods, but the Instant Pot offers a quicker pressure-cooked version preserving the meat’s tenderness.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 pounds beef stewing cubes or chuck
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste see note
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3 large carrot peeled & cut into fairly large bite-size pieces
  • 3 ticks celery chopped
  • 1 pound potato peeled & diced (fairly large bite-size pieces, Yukon gold variety
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to your Instant Pot. Press the "sauté" button and once the oil is hot, add half the beef. Brown the beef on all sides (I find this easiest to do with tongs). I like to do two batches so the meat isn't crowded and browns nicely. 
  2. Once the beef is seared, transfer it to a plate and set aside. Repeat for the second batch (use the second tablespoon of olive oil).
  3. Add the onion to the IP and sauté for 3-4 minutes (add a splash more oil if needed).
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  5. Add about a cup of the beef broth to the IP and scrape any brown bits from the bottom thoroughly (a wooden spoon works well). This is important as it'll help prevent getting an IP burn warning.
  6. Stir in the rest of the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  7. Add the remaining ingredients except for the cornstarch (including returning the beef to the pot).
  8. Close the lid and set the valve on "sealing", and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. It will take 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to get up to pressure. 
  9. Once the countdown is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, and then do a quick release for the rest of the pressure. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add the slurry to the IP. Give it a good stir and let it thicken up for a few minutes (you can put the "sauté" button back on if needed to activate the cornstarch). Season with salt & pepper to taste and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use half the tomato paste amount when using a concentrated tube to avoid overpowering the stew.
  • This recipe has been updated to prevent burn warnings on newer Instant Pot models.
  • Inactive time indicated represents how long the Instant Pot takes to reach pressure.
  • For alternative cooking methods, try stovetop or slow cooker recipes for beef stew.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 384kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 28g (9%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 94mg (31%) Sodium 1226mg (51%) Potassium 1415mg (30%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 6541IU (131%) Vitamin C 27mg (30%) Calcium 88mg (9%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 384 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 384kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 94mg 31%
Sodium 1226mg 51%
Potassium 1415mg 30%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 6541IU 131%
Vitamin C 27mg 30%
Calcium 88mg 9%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

54 reviews
Excellent

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