Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew – This mouthwatering and easy to make Instant Pot Beef Stew is sure to become one of your favorite ever Instant Pot recipes! Tender beef is simmered in a super flavorful and hearty broth that’s packed with veggies!
Well, you guys, it is way past time for me to post another Instant Pot recipe! What better way to kick off comfort food season with a quick and easy beef stew? This tastes so amazing like it’s been simmering away for hours, but it really takes less than an hour and most of the foot work is done by our magical friend, the Instant Pot!
The last time we talked Instant Pot here, we talked about how I was liking it, and my first experiences. Well, I LOVE it and I’m completely addicted to the thing! I have a feeling it will be getting regular use year round because it’s almost always the fastest way to get dinner on the table, and it will keep me from having to heat up my oven once that scorching summer heat comes back!
If you haven’t seen my first two Instant Pot recipes, you must check them out! Everyone is loving this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, and my Instant Pot Spaghetti and my Instant Pot Country Style ribs!
So, this beef stew recipe makes exactly enough to serve four people. Sometimes I can give or take a little on serving size, but this came out just right for four.
The good news is, there was plenty of room in my Instant Pot should I have wanted to double this recipe! It’s so tasty, and I think everyone likes stew so I’d gladly double this and serve it to company! Another win with stew is that it’s relatively cheap to make.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS WITH INSTANT POT BEEF STEW:
- Sear the meat first as directed in the recipe! Taking the quick stepto sear the meat instead of just tossing everything it produces a much more flavorful stew.
- Natural release for the best results. It’s best to always natural release anyway when you have really hot boiling liquids like this. I also prefer the natural method for the best texture in the meat.
- Don’t let this cool before adding the cornstarch/water. You want to add the cornstarch and cold water mixture while the stew is still nice and piping hot for the best thickening. If you like your stew extra thick, you can double the cornstarch mixture.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Pounds Beef Stew Meat
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Large Onion, Chopped
- 1 16 Ounce Bag Baby Carrots, Cut Into Slices
- 1 Pound Potatoes, Cubed
- 2 1/2 Cups Beef Broth
- 1 10 Ounce Can Tomato Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Water
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to the instant pot and turn on the saute function. When the oil starts to sizzle add the meat and season with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the meat until Browned on all sides.
- Add the beef broth to the instant pot and use a spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, carrots, potatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Close the lid and steam valve on the instant pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl and stir into the stew until thickened.
Nutrition
Fantastic and so easy
Easy and full of flavor!
What a phenomenal recipe, and super easy to make! Everyone loves it, even my ultra-picky 8 year-old who usually will only eat chicken nuggets and hot dogs completely devoured it. DEFINITELY am putting this into the family dinner rotation. Thank you!!!
I have a regular pressure cooker can I still use the same steps
Yes 🙂
This stew was a big hit in my family. Everyone loved it! The stew meat turned out very tender.
Fabulous taste!
What if my stew meat is frozen? Do I have to defrost it first? Before I use it in the recipe?
Hi! I would, yes. 🙂
Yes, just thaw it in microwave. A really delicious stew. Added some more veggies from freezer & frig and paprika and a sprinkle of Tony’s Cajun seasoning.
Very good and easy to throw together. What more could I ask for?
Best beef stew ever.
What size is your instant pot? I have a small one so I am concerned all the ingredients may not fit. Thanks!
This recipe has been tested in a 6 quart and 8 quart
Just made it in a 3 qt – it fits and is super delicious! Thank you for sharing!
My middle school son made this recipe for dinner. While it was cooking, it smelled so good that the delivery people for groceries and UPS asked for the recipe. They could smell it from the front gate!!! We will be making this again, and freezing it. Thank you for the easy instructions, and affordable ingredients! Nichole, thank you for helping my son learn how to cook!
Made this tonight and it was so so good! New family fav for sure!
Do you use the pre cut stew meat? And if so do you cut the hubks in half or leave whole, in your photo they lool smaller than normal stew meat at the store?
Yes, pre-cut stew meat from the store. If the chunks of meat you purchase are large, you can cut them in half if you wish!
I came across this recipe by chance when searching for an instant pot beef stew. It does not disappoint. Super easy and really flavorful. The easiest 5 stars I’ve given. Thanks!!!!
I don’t have Tomato sauce. Can I use Pasta sauce instead? I’ve read I could even use ketchup. What would you suggest?
I would go with pasta sauce 🙂
if the pasta sauce has italian seasoning in it, you could probably reduce your herbs in the recipe
Great one, Nichole! We finally bought an Instant Pot, and I have to confess that I added a few random Asian and Mediterranean ingredients in lieu of “Italian Spice” and Worcestershire sauce, neither of which we had in our quarantine pantry – truffle salt, S&B Chile Oil with Crunchy Garlic, and Maggi Sauce – oh, and I spiked the olive oil with a bit of sesame oil. We went a little crazy, but insanely good result! Thank you!
Easy as to make. Family are arguing with me over who gets the leftovers for lunch.
Amazingly delicious!
Question for you I cut up my veggies about 1 in cube but I feel they are overcooked for my liking could I reduce the timing? Or is it maybe that I had too much liquid maybe?
Thank you 🤩
Hi! Yes, if you prefer your veggies a little more firm, just reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes to see what you think 🙂
We love this recipe! It’s so easy, we make it at least twice a month. I used to dread making beef stew because I’d have to slave over the hot stove, watching the stew simmer for hours, and the meet would still come out tough. Now, this recipe has perfected the beef stew making experience! It’s super easy, the meat is INCREDIBLY tender, and the flavor is spot on. Thank you for making this recipe!
I’m going to be trying this recipe soon but I don’t have cornstarch for thickening. Is there something else you can use for thickening? I’m excited to try this because of all the comments! 😁😁
cold water and flour. Make sure there are no lumps before adding to the stew
Flour or use an emulsion mixer on a few of the veggies to thicken.
Flour
So easy and so delicious! I made it last week and my family asked for it again tonight. This will be on rotation in our house!