The truth is, old-fashioned beef stew can be a two-day affair. Browning the meat, simmering for hours, checking the pot like it’s late because it does still owe you money… but not any longer! Enter the Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. You get the same succulent, fall-apart beef and complex broth you love, but in a fraction of the time. It’s the warm, cuddly, chilly-weather comfort food that can be thrown together quicker than a Netflix binge.
Thanks to the magic of pressure cooking, you’ll get tender chunks of beef, buttery potatoes, and veggies so soft they basically melt without babysitting a bubbling pot all day. It’s just like our Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes, hearty, soul-warming, and practically a hug in a bowl. And yes, it’s just as good the next day (if not better), making it perfect for meal prep or lazy Sunday leftovers.
You can also easily adapt it to your vibe: go low-carb by skipping potatoes and adding mushrooms, or level it up with a splash of red wine (fancy vibes, anyone?). Plus, you don’t have to be a kitchen ninja if you can hit “Sauté” and “Pressure Cook,” you’ve got this. Need something on the side? It pairs like a dream with our Homemade Mashed Potatoes or Healthy Soups & Stews.

- Origins of Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Health Benefits of Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Serving Suggestions & Variations for Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe From OoohDelish!
- Share Your Twist on This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe!
- FAQs: Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Origins of Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew has been around for centuries, literally. From French boeuf bourguignon to Irish stew, nearly every culture has a version of this slow-cooked, tender beef comfort dish. What’s changed? The Instant Pot. This modern gadget has turned a rustic, hours-long meal into a weeknight hero without compromising flavor. The result? That same rich, slow-simmered taste with pressure-cooked speed.
The Instant Pot version is the 21st-century stew whisperer. Instead of simmering for 3 hours like in traditional methods (looking at you, Grandma’s cast-iron pot), this version seals in moisture, flavor, and tenderness in under an hour. It’s become a staple on busy dinner tables across the globe, like our Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, which also play double-duty as classic and convenient.
Plus, the versatility of stew means you can throw in carrots, celery, peas, even butternut squash if you’re feeling wild. It’s the kind of rustic-meets-modern recipe we love here at OoohDelish, hearty, wholesome, and yes, very Instant Pot-approved.
Health Benefits of Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew isn’t just comfort food; it’s also secretly a nutrient-packed powerhouse. When you load your Instant Pot with lean beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and broth, you’re basically creating a vitamin-rich, protein-loaded, slow-digesting bowl of goodness. The pressure cooking method also helps retain more nutrients compared to traditional boiling or simmering. Win-win!
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is especially rich in iron, vitamin B12, and zinc; nutrients essential for energy, immune function, and overall wellness. And with ingredients like carrots and potatoes, you’re also getting fiber, beta-carotene, and slow-burning carbs to keep you fuller longer. Bonus: It’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make low-carb if you skip the spuds or swap them for turnips.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the health benefits in one cozy bowl:
Ingredient | Health Benefit |
---|---|
Beef Chuck | High in protein, iron, and vitamin B12 |
Carrots | Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants |
Potatoes | Provide fiber and vitamin C; boost satiety |
Onions & Garlic | Natural immune boosters with anti-inflammatory properties |
Bone Broth / Stock | Promotes gut health and joint support |
Celery | Hydrating, low-calorie, supports digestion |
Source: Healthline – Iron Rich Foods

Serving Suggestions & Variations for Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is the kind of cozy one-pot meal that practically begs for a side of something warm and carby. Serve it in big bowls with a chunk of crusty bread (or try our Homemade Mashed Potatoes for spoon-optional satisfaction). It also pairs beautifully with rice, cauliflower mash, or even egg noodles if you’re feeling extra hearty.
Looking to meal prep? This stew stores like a champ in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for months. Just reheat and dive in. Hosting guests? Top it with a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for fancy vibes with zero effort.
Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun ways to shake things up:
- 🧄 Add Depth: A splash of Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar makes the broth richer.
- 🌶️ Add Heat: Toss in red pepper flakes or chipotle powder for a spicy kick.
- 🥔 Low-Carb: Swap out potatoes for radishes or cauliflower chunks.
- 🧄 Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add six cloves instead of 2. No one’s judging.
- 🥕 Veggie Overload: Throw in frozen peas, mushrooms, or butternut squash for extra nutrients.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew in the Instant Pot is easy enough to pull off, but there are a few chef-y moves that can help you take it from “meh” to “marry-me.” These tricks are all about enhancing flavor, texture and convenience and minimizing cleanup, because who doesn’t want more stew and less stress?
1. Sear the beef first: Don’t skip this step! Browning the meat on “Sauté” mode locks in flavor and gives your stew that deep, savory base. It’s the difference between “decent” and “where has this been all my life?” Try using avocado oil or ghee for higher smoke point options.
2. Deglaze the pot: After searing the beef, use broth or a splash of water to scrape up those brown bits from the bottom. That’s where the flavor lives, and it also helps you avoid the dreaded Instant Pot “Burn” warning.
3. Cut veggies smart: Keep potatoes and carrots in large chunks so they don’t turn to mush under pressure. Baby potatoes hold their shape beautifully, and if you want ultra-tender carrots, go for thicker slices.
4. Natural release = tender magic: Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps the meat stay juicy and fall-apart tender.
5. Thicken the stew after: Want a thicker stew? Mix a tablespoon of arrowroot or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in after pressure cooking, then use “Sauté” mode for a few minutes to simmer it down.
Just like we learned in our Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, it’s those small techniques that turn good recipes into unforgettable ones.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe From OoohDelish!

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast – cut into 1½-inch chunks
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- 1 large onion – diced
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 4 carrots – peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4 medium potatoes – chopped Yukon gold or red work well
- 2 celery stalks – sliced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth low sodium
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional for added flavor
- 1 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch to thicken – optional
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add oil and brown the beef chunks in batches. Remove and set aside.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire (if using). Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaf. Pour in the rest of the beef broth.
- Lock the lid. Set to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on HIGH for 35 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
- (Optional) Mix arrowroot or cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the stew. Use “Sauté” to simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a splash of red wine to deglaze.
- Want more veggies? Add green beans, mushrooms, or parsnips.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for 3 months.

Share Your Twist on This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe!
Did you toss in mushrooms? Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones? Maybe you spiced things up with paprika or added peas because Grandma said so? However you stirred things up, we’d love to hear about it!
📸 Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist and show off your stew-stagram. Seriously, your version might just become our next favorite!
💌 Got a remix that wowed your dinner guests? Send it over to contact@ooohdelish.com we might feature your twist (and credit you!) in a future post!
Let the Instant Pot adventures begin. 🥕🥔🍖

FAQs: Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Can I freeze this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe?
Yes! Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick, cozy meal.
What cut of beef is best for Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe?
Beef chuck roast is the gold standard, it’s budget-friendly and gets beautifully tender under pressure. Stew meat also works, but look for marbled cuts.
How can I thicken the Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe?
After pressure cooking, stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder with cold water. Simmer on “Sauté” mode until thickened.
Can I make this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe low-carb?
Totally! Skip the potatoes and use turnips, cauliflower, or radishes instead. The flavor and comfort are still 100% there.
How long does the Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe take from start to finish?
From browning to pressure release, the whole process takes about 60 minutes. That’s way faster than traditional stewing; and just as flavorful!
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