Instant Pot Beef Stew

Name: Instant Pot Beef Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 Pounds Beef Meat; 1/2 Pounds Mushrooms; 1 Carrot; 2 Cups Bone Broth; Olive Oil (Extra Virgin); 1 Onion; 3 Cloves Garlic; 1/2 Tablespoon Turmeric (Curcuma); 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika; 2 Tablespoons Parsley

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Beef stew is one of those dishes that screams comfort food, but it can take a while to cook on the stovetop. That’s where the instant pot comes to the rescue. With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, you can have a hearty beef stew that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.

Beef stew topped with fresh parsley. — Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

I was amazed at how tender and flavorful the beef turned out in such a short time. It’s now one of my go-to meals when I crave something filling and delicious. And since I usually cook for just one or two people, this recipe is perfect for small batches.

Beef Stew in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

Wondering if you should use an Instant Pot or a slow cooker? Both are great options and essential kitchen tools, but I prefer the instant pot for this recipe because it cuts down the cooking time drastically. If you’re in a rush but still want that slow-cooked taste, the Instant Pot is your best friend. There’s no need to monitor it like you might with a pot on the stove. Just set it and come back to a ready meal.

On the other hand, if you’re planning ahead, a slow cooker can work just as well. You’ll just need to cook it on low for about 6-8 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious beef stew that’s perfect for a chilly day.

A skillet and bowl filled with sliced mushrooms in a savory sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, next to a cluster of raw mushrooms on a dark textured background. — A skillet filled with beef stew.

Best Beef Stew in Minutes

The instant pot makes this beef stew so quick and easy. What would typically take hours on the stove or in the oven is ready in under an hour, and that includes prep time. It’s perfect for those days when you want a comforting meal but don’t have all day to cook. This instant pot beef stew recipe is also small-batch friendly, so you can make just enough for one or two servings without any waste.

You get all the flavor without the fuss, and since it’s cooked under pressure, the beef comes out incredibly tender. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll be digging into a bowl of cozy goodness.

Hearty, Comfort Food in a Crock Pot

I love the instant pot for this recipe, but if you have a crock pot, you can absolutely use that too. The flavors meld together wonderfully over the long, slow cooking time. If you have a busy day, you can throw everything into the Crock Pot in the morning, and by dinner, you have a warm and hearty meal ready.

The trick with the Crock Pot is to brown the meat or beef chuck first to lock in the flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it does make a difference.

A pot of stew with beef, vegetables, and herbs on a dark surface, next to a pressure cooker. — A pot of stew with beef.

Easy Instructions for Creating the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew

Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen

Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: The star of this recipe, it cuts cooking time and makes everything so tender.
Wooden Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Bowl: Handy for prepping and holding ingredients before you add them to the pot.

Key Ingredients:

Beef Meat: I use chuck roast, but any stew meat works well. It becomes tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure.
Mushrooms: They add a nice earthy taste and extra texture.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and a bit of color to the stew.
Bone Broth: The base for our stew – it adds richness and depth.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics create a savory base for the dish.
Turmeric & Smoked Paprika: These spices add warmth and a touch of smokiness.
Parsley: It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens up the rich stew.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Detailed Directions for Making Instant Pot Beef Stew

One: Prepare Beef Stew Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop up your beef, onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Mince the garlic and have your bone broth ready.

Top view of an Instant Pot surrounded by ingredients for beef stew: bone broth, turmeric, salt, pepper, beef, carrot, onion, parsley, and mushrooms. — Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew.

Two: Sauté in the Instant Pot

Turn on the sauté function and heat a little olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook until they’re fragrant. This adds a nice base flavor to the stew.

Two side-by-side images show hands adding chopped onions to a pot on the left and ginger on the right. Surrounding ingredients include sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, and ground meat. — Adding onions and garlic.

Three: Add in the Beef

Add your beef chunks and let them brown for a few minutes. This step helps to seal in the juices and build flavor.

Person stirring chopped meat in a pressure cooker; mushrooms, carrots, and herbs are nearby. — Stirring chopped meat.

Four: Turn Off the Sauté Function

Once the beef is browned, turn off the sauté function. Season the beef with smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper for a little extra warmth.

Split screen image: Left side shows an Instant Pot display with "OFF." Right side shows hands stirring a pot of stew with spices, featuring visible chunks of meat and herbs. — Setting Instant Pot for beef stew.

Five: Add the Vegetables and Mix

Toss in the carrots and mushrooms. Give everything a good stir to coat the vegetables in the seasonings and beef juices.

Step-by-step process of adding mushrooms, carrots, and herbs to a pot with a wooden spoon, showing the cooking sequence from step 1 to step 4. — Mixing ingredients for beef stew.

Six: Add Broth and Pressure Cook

Pour in enough bone broth to cover the ingredients. Close the lid, set the pressure to high pressure, and cook for 25 minutes.

Vegetable stew being poured into an Instant Pot, alongside its digital display showing a 25-minute timer. — Pouring broth into Instant Pot.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the searing step. Browning the beef locks in flavor and adds richness to the stew.
Cut Vegetables Evenly: Make sure your carrots and mushrooms are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Use Beef Broth: It adds extra nutrients and makes beef stew meat more flavorful.
Cornstarch: You can add a tablespoon of cornstarch if you want to thicken the consistency.
Other Ingredients: To improve the flavor of this dish, you can use red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, frozen peas, and bay leaf.

Common Questions Answered

What Are the Perfect Pairings for Tender Beef Instant Pot Recipe?

I love to pair this best beef stew recipe with crusty bread or a simple green salad. If you want something heartier, try it over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. It’s also great with roasted vegetables. Iced karkade tea is also a perfect beverage you can pair with this. A vibrant, tarty, and naturally sweet beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers.

What Are the Proper Storage Tips for this Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew?

First, let the stew cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can affect the texture and taste. Transfer the cooled stew into airtight containers. Make sure the lids are sealed tightly to keep the stew fresh. Store the beef stew in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Two black bowls of cooked cabbage stew with meat and vegetables, garnished with herbs. A small dish of sauce with red peppers on the side, and an appliance in the background. — Beef stew with carrots and mushrooms.

How Do I Freeze Instant Pot Beef Stew?

If you want to keep the stew longer, it’s freezer-friendly. Pour the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for something lighter and quicker? Stuffed bell peppers recipe without rice comes in, a filling meal you will surely like. Similar to ultimate chicken casserole and Mediterranean grilled chicken, these simple, comforting meals that are easy to throw together but still taste like they took a lot of effort.

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Close-up of beef stew in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs. The text reads: "Easy Small Batch Instant Pot Beef Stew. — Beef stew in a bowl.

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