Discover the ultimate comfort food with this savory Instant Pot beef stew recipe! Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant carrots, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner option. In just over an hour, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.Don’t miss out on this cozy culinary delight.
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Fresh parsley for garnish
![- Beef variations and their impact on flavor For this stew, I like using beef chuck. It has a good amount of fat and gives great taste. You could also try brisket or round for a leaner option. Each cut brings a unique flavor profile. Chuck is my go-to for tenderness and richness. - Fresh vs. dried herbs: What's best for flavor? Fresh herbs bring a bright and vibrant flavor. However, dried herbs are easier to use and still taste great in this stew. I prefer dried thyme and rosemary for this recipe. They blend well during cooking and add depth to the dish. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnishing at the end. - Optional ingredients for added taste and texture You can add a splash of red wine for richness. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and great texture. If you want more veggies, consider peas or green beans. They can add a pop of color and flavor. Cornstarch is optional for thickening the stew, giving it a heartier feel. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, safety is key when using the Instant Pot. Always check the sealing ring and ensure the lid locks properly. Avoid touching the steam release valve during cooking. This keeps you safe from hot steam. Next, prep your ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and quick. Chop your onions, carrots, and potatoes. Have your beef ready in cubes. Measure out the broth and spices. This way, you reduce the chance of forgetting something important. Now, let's break down the cooking process. Start by setting the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Heat the olive oil, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them until the onion is soft and clear. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, it's time to brown the beef. Season it with salt and pepper first. Add the beef to the pot and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning adds rich flavor to your stew. After browning, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well to blend all the flavors. Then, pour in the beef broth. Be sure to scrape any browned bits from the pot's bottom. This step helps prevent the burn notice. Now, add the carrots and potatoes. Stir gently to combine them with the broth. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the vent to 'Sealing.' Cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for 35 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for about 10-15 minutes. After that, switch the vent to 'Venting' to release any extra pressure. For a thicker stew, you can use cornstarch. Mix it with a little water to make a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode and stir in the slurry. Allow it to simmer until thickened. Finally, taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt or pepper to make it just right. Serve it hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley. Your hearty and comforting Instant Pot beef stew is ready to enjoy! For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To make your Instant Pot beef stew really shine, focus on seasoning. Start with salt and pepper on the beef. This simple step brings out the meat's natural flavors. You can also try adding herbs like thyme and rosemary. These add warmth and depth. Using wine or broth can elevate your stew. Red wine adds a rich flavor. Just a splash can make a big difference. If you prefer, use a bit of beef broth. It deepens the taste without overpowering it. One common issue is burning the stew. To avoid this, always scrape the bottom of the pot. This prevents food from sticking. If you see the burn notice, add more liquid. A splash of broth or water can help. Texture problems can happen too. If your stew is too watery, mix cornstarch with water for a slurry. Stir this in when the stew is cooking. It thickens the stew nicely. To enhance the aroma, add herbs and spices early. This allows their flavors to bloom. You can also sauté the onions and garlic first. The smell will fill your kitchen and make everyone hungry. Serving the stew is just as important. Use a deep bowl to showcase the layers. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a perfect meal. For the full recipe, check the link! {{image_2}} If you want a lighter meal, consider using chicken or turkey. These options still give you a hearty dish but with less fat. You can also use pork for a different flavor. Adding different vegetables can bring new life to your beef stew. Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They add a nice sweetness. You can also add peas, green beans, or even mushrooms for a fun twist. To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free beef broth. Many brands offer this option. Make sure to check the labels for safety. Also, you can swap Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version. If you want a vegan version, use mushrooms or lentils instead of beef. These ingredients add protein and texture. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Don’t forget to load up on your favorite veggies! Experimenting with spices can enhance your stew. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up, too! Incorporating unique sauces can change the flavor profile. Try adding a bit of soy sauce for umami. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth and sweetness. Be bold and taste as you go! For the full recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. When you have leftover beef stew, use airtight containers for storage. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. They keep the stew fresh and tasty. If stored properly, the stew lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always let it cool before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Freezing beef stew is easy and keeps it delicious. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the bags tightly, removing as much air as possible. Label them with the date. The stew stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When ready, warm it on the stove over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps the stew smooth and tasty. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal later! To make Instant Pot beef stew, you start by choosing the right cut of beef. I love using beef chuck because it gets tender and tasty. First, you sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. After that, you brown the beef in the same pot. This step adds great flavor. Next, stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Then, add beef broth, carrots, and potatoes. Seal the pot and cook under pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results. You can check the [Full Recipe] for detailed steps. If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it with cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew while it simmers. If your stew is too thick, just add more beef broth or water to reach the right consistency. You can skip browning, but I don’t recommend it. Browning the meat adds depth and richness. It locks in flavors and creates a nice crust. If you don’t brown, the stew may taste less robust. To recap, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make a great Instant Pot beef stew. We covered important tips for prepping and cooking, along with ways to enhance flavors and avoid mistakes. You learned about variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers properly. Instant Pot beef stew can be easy and fun. With practice and tweaks, you'll master it. Enjoy creating your perfect stew!](https://pagosarecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/529bad64-3057-4292-bcdd-e72382d667de-250x250.webp)