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Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

4.7 from 591 reviews

This Best Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful meal with tender beef, golden potatoes, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. Using the Instant Pot ensures the beef is perfectly cooked and the flavors meld beautifully, all in less than an hour. Ideal for a comforting dinner, this stew is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 2 pounds stew meat
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided

Vegetables

  • 2 pounds gold potatoes, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Liquids and Flavorings

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth, divided
  • ½ cup red wine (or additional beef broth)

Thickening Agent

  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Season the beef: Remove the stew meat from the refrigerator and season it evenly with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. For more tender beef, let the meat come to room temperature before cooking.
  2. Sear the beef: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Add half of the stew meat in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each side for about 3 minutes until browned. Remove the cooked beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining oil and beef.
  3. Deglaze the pot: Pour half a cup of beef broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom—this prevents a burn warning during pressure cooking.
  4. Add ingredients for stew: Return the seared beef to the pot along with potatoes, baby carrots, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, 3 cups of beef broth, and the red wine (or additional broth). Stir everything together to combine.
  5. Pressure cook the stew: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow about 10 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before timing begins.
  6. Natural pressure release: When cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Do not open the lid during this time.
  7. Prepare the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons cornstarch with the remaining 4 tablespoons of beef broth until smooth.
  8. Thicken the stew: Perform a quick release to vent any remaining pressure. Set the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Allowing the beef to come to room temperature before cooking helps yield more tender meat.
  • Deglazing the Instant Pot after searing prevents the burn warning and improves flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more cornstarch slurry gradually to reach the desired consistency.
  • Red wine adds depth to the stew, but can be substituted with additional beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely.

Keywords: instant pot beef stew, easy beef stew, pressure cooker stew, comforting dinner recipe, hearty beef stew