Warm up with a hearty Instant Pot beef stew that’s packed with flavor and perfect for cozy nights! This delicious recipe combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs for a comforting dish the whole family will love. In just about an hour, you’ll have a rich and satisfying meal ready to serve.
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
![To make a hearty Instant Pot beef stew, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients bring great flavor and comfort to your dish. Each one plays a key role. For example, beef chuck gives the stew a rich taste. Onions and garlic add depth. Carrots and potatoes give it heartiness. Don’t skip the herbs; they add wonderful notes to every bite. You will find that using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh veggies and good beef will elevate your stew. Remember, you can always adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. If you want to explore more, check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 35 minutes - Total time: 1 hour - Servings: 6 With just an hour, you can create a warm and filling meal for your family or friends. Enjoy the process! Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” and pour in the olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers. Add the beef cubes in a single layer. Sear them until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step seals in flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft. You will smell a rich aroma that adds depth to your stew. Pour a splash of beef broth into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is key for enhancing the stew’s flavor. Now, return the seared beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. Close the lid tightly on the Instant Pot. Make sure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” function. Adjust the cooking time to 35 minutes at high pressure. When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This helps make the beef tender. After that, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.” If you want a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the warm stew. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” for 5 minutes. Stir often until the stew thickens to your liking. Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley for color. Ladle it into bowls while hot. Enjoy this hearty meal! Check the [Full Recipe] for more details. Browning meat is key. It builds flavor and color. When you sear beef, you create a nice crust. This adds a rich taste to your stew. Make sure to do this step well. For seasoning, use salt and pepper early. This helps to boost the flavor. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary for aroma. If you love a kick, throw in some paprika. Pair your beef stew with sides that shine. Mashed potatoes work great. They soak up all the stew's goodness. You can also serve it with green beans or a fresh salad. Bread is a must! Choose crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough or baguette are fantastic options. They bring texture and enhance the meal. Want to deepen the taste? Try adding red wine. A splash of wine gives a rich layer to your stew. If you prefer, soy sauce works too. It adds umami that makes flavors pop. Don’t forget about extra veggies! Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers can brighten your stew. They add nutrition and color. Chop them up and toss them in before cooking. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Happy cooking! {{image_4}} You can use chicken or pork in your stew. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sear them just like you do with beef. Chicken cooks faster, so reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes. For pork, use shoulder or loin. Cut into 1-inch cubes and follow the same steps as beef. Both meats will soak up the rich flavors of your stew. To make a vegetarian stew, skip the meat entirely. Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, butternut squash, or lentils. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste. You can add beans for protein and texture. Cook it just like the beef stew. This version is still rich and filling, perfect for anyone. You can change the taste by using different herbs and spices. Instead of thyme and rosemary, try basil and oregano for an Italian twist. Or, add cumin and coriander for a warm, earthy flavor. For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Each change gives you a new dish to enjoy. To refrigerate beef stew, let it cool first. Pour the stew into a container. Seal it tightly with a lid. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, use the freezer. To freeze beef stew, follow these steps. Cool the stew completely first. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove until hot. In the fridge, beef stew lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can last for three months. After that, the quality may decline. Be sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. When stored correctly, the stew stays flavorful and comforting. Yes, you can skip browning the meat. However, your stew may lack flavor. Browning adds depth and richness. It creates a lovely crust and enhances the dish. If you skip this step, consider adding more spices. If your stew is too thick, add more beef broth. Start with half a cup and stir well. You can also use water if needed. Another option is to add more veggies. They will release moisture as they cook. You can use frozen beef, but adjust the cooking time. Increase the time to 45 minutes for frozen chunks. This allows the meat to cook through properly. Make sure to add a few extra minutes if pieces are large. The beef is tender when it falls apart easily. You can check by using a fork. If it shreds easily, it's done. Aim for a melt-in-your-mouth texture for the best stew. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store leftovers. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just reheat before serving. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. This blog post covered delicious Instant Pot beef stew. You learned the key ingredients, simple steps, and expert tips. I emphasized the importance of browning the beef for flavor. You can customize the recipe with different proteins or vegetables too. Stored correctly, it lasts well and is perfect for meals later. Enjoying this hearty dish brings warmth and satisfaction. I hope you try this recipe and share it with friends. Your kitchen adventures await!](https://fastmealmate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4eb70415-c4b6-43db-bf2d-31d3ec08fe2e-300x300.webp)