There’s something about a hearty beef stew that evokes memories of warmth, family, and the coziness of home. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a blustery winter weekend, beef stew is that soul-satisfying dish that wraps you in comfort with every bite. But let’s be honest—traditional beef stew takes time. Hours of simmering on the stove or in the slow cooker can be intimidating for a busy home cook.
Enter the Instant Pot.
This magical kitchen appliance has turned slow food into fast comfort. In this blog post, I’ll share my go-to recipe for Instant Pot Hearty Beef Stew—a dish that delivers the depth of slow-cooked flavor in just under an hour. It’s loaded with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish special—and why it should be on your weekly dinner rotation.
🧄 The Magic of the Instant Pot
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about the Instant Pot for a moment. If you’ve ever wondered whether it lives up to the hype, the answer is a resounding yes—especially when it comes to meals like beef stew. Traditional stews require long hours of simmering to tenderize the meat and develop rich flavor. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function dramatically cuts down that time while enhancing flavor and maintaining nutrients.
With just 30 minutes of pressure cooking, you can achieve the kind of deep, robust taste that would usually take all day. It's perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a home-cooked meal without the wait.
🍲 What Makes a Perfect Beef Stew?
For me, the best beef stew has a few must-haves:
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Melt-in-your-mouth beef
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Hearty root vegetables
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A thick, flavorful gravy
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Aromatic herbs and spices
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A one-pot cleanup
This version checks all those boxes. It uses a simple seasoning mix to boost flavor effortlessly, a medley of classic vegetables, and just enough prep to get you excited—but not overwhelmed.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Hearty Beef Stew:
Main Ingredients
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2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cups cubed potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
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1 1/2 cups peeled and cubed carrots
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1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges
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1/2 cup sliced celery
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups cubed potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
1 1/2 cups peeled and cubed carrots
1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges
1/2 cup sliced celery
For the Broth
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1 package beef stew seasoning mix (any hearty stew blend)
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1 1/3 cups water
1 package beef stew seasoning mix (any hearty stew blend)
1 1/3 cups water
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. This step helps build flavor by searing the meat and creating delicious brown bits on the bottom of the pot.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
After browning the meat, pour in about 1/3 cup of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful brown bits. This prevents the dreaded “burn notice” during pressure cooking and adds richness to the stew.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Next, add the potatoes, carrots, onion wedges, and celery. Layer them right on top of the beef. You want the veggies distributed evenly but not stirred too much so they don’t break down during cooking.
Step 4: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the stew seasoning mix with the remaining 1 cup of water. Stir until smooth and pour it over the meat and vegetables.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Meat/Stew function or manually set the timer for 30 minutes at high pressure.
Now’s the time to relax, wash a few dishes, or sip some wine while the Instant Pot works its magic.
Step 6: Quick Release
Once the 30 minutes is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to Venting to release the remaining steam.
Carefully open the lid and take in that glorious aroma.
Step 7: Stir and Serve
Gently stir the stew to combine the flavors. If you like a thicker stew, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and stir it in using the Sauté function for a few minutes until thickened.
🌿 Tips & Tricks for Success
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
Look for chuck roast or bottom round—these cuts are ideal for pressure cooking. They’re full of connective tissue that breaks down into tender, juicy bites.
2. Don’t Skip the Browning
While technically optional, searing the beef adds incredible depth of flavor. Those crispy brown edges really enhance the overall taste.
3. Watch the Liquid
Don’t go overboard with broth or water—too much will leave your stew soupy. Stick to about 1 1/3 cups of water, which is plenty thanks to the moisture released from the meat and vegetables.
4. Customize Your Veggies
Not a fan of celery? Add mushrooms instead. Want more color? Toss in some frozen peas after cooking for a pop of green.
5. Add a Touch of Acidity
A splash of red wine, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar can brighten the flavors. Add this before pressure cooking for best results.
🥖 Serving Suggestions
This stew is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate the meal:
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Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking
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Spoon over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
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Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream
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Pair with a glass of bold red wine or dark ale
Leftovers are even better the next day, so don’t be shy about making a big batch!
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Beef stew is one of those dishes that tastes better after sitting overnight. Here's how to store and reheat it properly:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.
If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
What I love most about this Instant Pot beef stew is that it checks all the boxes: fast, easy, flavorful, and comforting. It’s also a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. The seasoning mix does all the heavy lifting flavor-wise, and the Instant Pot ensures perfect texture every time.
I’ve made this stew countless times, and it never fails. Whether I’m feeding guests or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that everyone looks forward to.
👩🍳 Make It Yours
One of the joys of cooking at home is making recipes your own. Here are a few ideas to customize this dish:
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Go paleo: Skip the potatoes and use parsnips or turnips.
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Add grains: Stir in cooked barley or quinoa after pressure cooking.
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Try herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves can add complexity.
Feel free to experiment and find your perfect version!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade beef stew. It’s simple, nostalgic, and downright delicious. Thanks to the Instant Pot, this once time-consuming classic has become a weeknight staple in our household.
So whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, give this Instant Pot Hearty Beef Stew a try. It’s comfort food at its finest—and with minimal effort.
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