Instant Pot Beef Stew Quick Comfort Dinner

Need a dinner that’ll warm you up fast? This instant pot beef stew is rich, tender, and so comforting I almost forgot my troubles.

It’s my rainy-day must-have, and you’ll crave it weekly.

Last fall, I was frazzled after a soggy commute and a broken umbrella. My kitchen was bare, and takeout felt like defeat. I needed an instant pot beef stew to save the night, so I grabbed some stew meat and veggies, hoping for something soul-soothing.

Now this instant pot beef stew is my lifeline. Honestly, this pressure cooker recipe comes together in about 1 hour, perfect for when you’re wiped but want a real meal.

That evening was a slog. The dog tracked mud in, my phone kept buzzing, and I was one cold toe from giving up. Then I remembered my mom’s Sunday stews, simmering all day while we played cards. I pulled out my Instant Pot, set on making it faster but just as hearty.

The kitchen filled with this savory, beefy aroma that lifted my mood. My roommate poked his head in, sniffing, and said, “You’re making that tonight?” That’s when I knew I’d won. You’ll feel that magic too.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew

So, why’s this instant pot beef stew such a star? For one, it’s comfort food done right. Here’s what makes it awesome:

• First, it’s melt-in-your-mouth. Beef gets so tender.
• Next, veggies add heartiness. Love that potato bite.
• Also, it’s fast for stew. Instant Pot saves hours.
• Plus, one-pot ease. Cleanup’s a breeze.
• Finally, freezes great. Leftovers taste even better.

Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe You Need

Now, what makes this instant pot beef stew stand out? To be honest, it’s my stressed-out spin on my mom’s recipe, but quicker and deeper. That rainy night, I was done with watery soups and tough meat. So I took her beef potato carrot stew idea, boosted it with tomato sauce and Worcestershire, and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

Trust me, this beats any greasy, bland stew I’ve slogged through at diners. You’ll see why it’s my best instant pot beef stew go-to. I’ve had flops—rubbery beef, thin broth. Total bummer. But this one’s gold. My roommate’s still raving about it. You’ll hide the pot too.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Beef Stew

Here’s what you need for this instant pot beef stew. Easy lineup. Let’s roll.

For the Beef

• 1½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces: Hearty base. Pre-cut saves time.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Searing boost. Keeps it juicy.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Flavor anchor. Sprinkle even.
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper: Sharp kick. Fresh grind’s best.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Herby depth. Don’t skip it.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Umami punch. Adds richness.

Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Bold aroma. Fresh is key.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Sweet balance. Rough chop’s fine.

Vegetables

• 1 bag (16 ounces) baby carrots, sliced into rounds: Easy prep. Sweet crunch.
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed: Starchy comfort. Cube small.

Liquid Base

• 2¼ cups beef broth (preferably low sodium): Savory liquid. Low sodium controls salt.
• 1 can (10 ounces) tomato sauce: Tangy depth. Smooths it out.

Thickener

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens sauce. Mix it smooth.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: Slurry maker. Keeps it lump-free.

Got it all? You’re set for homemade beef stew instant pot bliss. Let’s move on.

Equipment You’ll Need

Next, here’s the gear to nail this instant pot beef stew. Simple tools, big results. Check these out:

• Instant Pot: Does the heavy lifting. 6-quart size is perfect. You’ll use it nonstop.
• Wooden spoon: Scrapes without scratching. Long handle’s a win. Grab one.
• Cutting board: Preps veggies clean. Sturdy board lasts years. Worth it.
• Small bowl: Mixes the slurry. Any size works. Pick a cute one.

With these, you’re ready. Let’s keep going.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew (Step-by-Step)

Now, let’s cook this instant pot beef stew. It’s straightforward and fun. Here’s the breakdown.

Step 1: Sear the beef

First, turn your Instant Pot to sauté and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in 1½ pounds beef stew meat, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. I skipped browning once, got flat flavor. Weak start, total drag. So, sear all sides for that rich base. That sizzle was my first win. Broth next?

Basically, searing’s the key. It locks in your tender beef flavor.

Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the pot. Then it browns better.

Step 2: Deglaze with broth

Then, pour in 2¼ cups beef broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. I forgot to scrape once, missed that depth. Bland broth, big oof. So, get every bit for max flavor. That savory liquid had me grinning. Veggies now?

For instance, deglazing’s the soul. It builds your beef stew in the instant pot richness.

Pro Tip: Use low-sodium broth. Then you control the salt.

Step 3: Add flavor and veggies

Next, stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 large chopped onion, 16 ounces sliced baby carrots, 1 pound cubed potatoes, and 10 ounces tomato sauce. I dumped it all at once, got uneven cooking. Chunky mess, total bummer. So, layer it gently and stir to mix. That colorful pot was my happy place. Cooking time?

By the way, veggies add life. They shape your beef and potato stew instant pot heart.

Pro Tip: Cube potatoes small. Then they cook even.

Step 4: Pressure cook

Now, lock the Instant Pot lid and seal the steam valve. Set to high pressure for 35 minutes. I rushed the release once, meat stayed tough. Chewy bite, weak move. So, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the rest. That steam puff was my signal. Thickening next?

In short, pressure’s the magic. It makes your instant pot stew tender.

Pro Tip: Check the seal. Then no steam leaks out.

Step 5: Thicken the stew

Finally, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew on sauté mode until thick, about 1-2 minutes. I added dry cornstarch once, got lumps. Gluey sauce, total fail. So, blend it smooth for a glossy finish. That rich broth was my victory lap. Ready to serve?

To be honest, thickening’s the finish. It wraps your thicken beef stew perfect.

Pro Tip: Stir slurry fast. Then it blends lump-free.

Tips for Success

So, how do you ace this instant pot beef stew? I’ve stumbled enough to know. Here’s what keeps it fire:

• Brown the meat well. Skipped it, lost flavor. 5 minutes searing pops.
• Scrape the pot clean. Missed bits, thin broth. Wooden spoon saves it.
• Cube veggies even. Uneven cuts, mushy carrots. Small chunks cook right.
• Don’t rush the release. Hurried it, tough beef. Love the 10 minute wait.
• Mix slurry cold. Warm water clumped mine. Cold water keeps it smooth.

I’ve bombed this plenty. These make it a cinch.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Beef Stew

Then, what pairs with this instant pot beef stew healthy gem? It’s awesome with simple sides. Here’s my picks, plus some flops:

• Crusty bread: Sops up broth. Stale loaf once, hard bite. Warm match.
• Green salad: Adds crisp. Wilted greens, sad plate. Love the freshness.
• Mashed potatoes: Doubles the comfort. Lumpy batch, total miss. Creamy sidekick.
• Steamed broccoli: Keeps it light. Overcooked, soggy pile. Bright balance.
• Dinner rolls: Feels special. Burnt them, smoky mess. Soft finish.

What’s your choice? These sides make it shine.

Nutrition Information & Calories

Now, let’s break down this instant pot meals dish. Per serving, about 6-8 total:

• Calories: Around 300-350. Beef’s the heavy hitter. I pile my bowl, no shame.
• Fat: About 12g. Oil and meat add up. Love the richness.
• Carbs: Around 30g. Potatoes drive it. Filling stuff.
• Protein: About 25g. Beef delivers big. Keeps you full.
• Sodium: Around 800mg. Broth kicks in. Worth the savor.

It’s a solid beef stew instant pot pick. I lean on it for chilly nights.

Variations & Substitutes

So, how can you tweak this instant pot beef stew? I’ve played around a bit. Here’s what works:

• Swap beef for venison. Moose meat recipes twist. Gamey depth.
• Use chicken broth for beef broth. Instant pot soup lighter vibe. Still savory.
• Add ½ teaspoon paprika. Beef tips and gravy warmth. Subtle kick.
• Try turnips for potatoes. Instant pot beef tips low-carb. Firm bite.
• Skip tomato sauce for red wine. Salisbury steak richness. Bold swap.

Ever jazzed up pot beef stew? It’s a blast, right?

Serving & Storage Tips

Leftovers

Got extra instant pot beef stew? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. My roommate nabbed half that night. I hid some after, stayed awesome.

Reheating Tips

Reheat on the stove over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring. I microwaved once, dried it out. Total bust. Warm it slow for that tender beef charm.

What Others Are Saying

Next, what’s the buzz on this best instapot beef stew recipe? My crew’s obsessed. Here’s what they’re saying:

• Lena: “This stew’s my new comfort!” She froze extras, hyped.
• Kai: “Tastes like all-day cooking.” He piled his bowl, grinning.
• Tara: “Winter nights are saved.” She snapped pics, buzzing.
• Rico: “Best stew I’ve had.” He begged for the recipe, stoked.

What’s your take? I bet you’ll top these.

Instant Pot Beef Stew FAQs

Can I use frozen beef?

It’s fine. Use 1½ pounds frozen stew meat for stewing beef instant pot. I’ve done it, works okay. Add 5 minutes to cook time.

No tomato sauce?

Swap 10 ounces crushed tomatoes for beef gravy vibes. I tried it, still rich. Drain excess liquid first.

Can I skip the slurry?

Omit cornstarch for thinner instant pot soup recipes. I’ve skipped it, broth’s lighter. Reduce broth to 2 cups if so.

Why’s my beef tough?

Likely rushed release or small cuts. Cook 35 minutes with 10 minute natural release for instant pot beef stew recipe. Fixed mine that way.

In Conclusion

So, this instant pot beef stew is my bad-day fixer. It’s warm, rich, and packed with flavors that ease any stress. I’ve had flops—grainy broth once had me groaning. Total miss. But that’s what makes it special. An instant pot beef stew that’s real and delivers big. Your family will love it.

Try it out. Snap a photo. Drop your thoughts in the comments, pin it on Pinterest, or tell your friends! I’m pumped to hear how it lands. Don’t leave me hanging!