Instant Pot Beef Stew

Tender chunks of beef with carrots, potatoes, peas, and onions are smothered in a rich broth in this easy instant pot beef stew recipe.

  • Total 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Serves 6 servings
  • Dinner
  • American
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Two bowls of Instant Pot Beef Stew on a serving board with bread on the side

Tender chunks of beef with carrots, potatoes, peas, and onions are smothered in a rich broth in this easy instant pot beef stew recipe.

Two bowls of Instant Pot Beef Stew more

Why this recipe works

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of hearty beef stew, and today we’re going to show you how to make it in the pressure cooker. Combining the classics like carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, and beef in a flavorful broth makes for one bone-warming meal you know you can always count on.

Instant pot beef stew is a great choice for busy weeknights where you’re looking for something a little quicker to make, but don’t want to end up with a ton of dishes to do. Hop over to our crockpot beef stew recipe if you’re looking for a dump-and-go recipe to start in the morning or afternoon.

Ladle of Instant Pot Beef Stew being lifted out of an Instant Pot

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – We use beef stew meat, but you can also use round steak, round roast, or chuck roast and cut it into cubes yourself.

POTATOES – Instead of Yukon gold, you can use baby red potatoes or cubed regular-sized red potatoes. I would not recommend Russet potatoes for this recipe as they tend to get too mushy.

STOCK – We prefer to use chicken stock over beef stock because chicken stock tends to be more flavorful. You can use beef or vegetable stock if you prefer.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. Season the beef with 1 tablespoon of garlic salt and the black pepper.seasoned beef chunks in a mixing bowl
  2. Add oil to the pressure cooker and turn to the saute setting. When the saute function is ready, add the beef cubes. Brown on all sides and remove from the presser cooker.searing beef chunks in an instant potbrowning beef chunks in an instant pot
  3. To the brown bits and remaining oil, add the onion and garlic and stir. Cook onion for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent.adding chopped onion to instant pot
  4. Add garlic salt, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.adding Worcestershire sauce to onions and seasonings in the instant pot
  5. Add tomato paste and stir to combine.adding tomato paste to instant pot
  6. Add broth and stir to combine, scraping down the sides of the pressure cooker.hand holding chicken stock over instant pot with onions
  7. Add, carrots, potatoes, and beef.adding carrots to beef stewadding Yukon gold potatoes to beef stewadding browned beef to instant pot with vegetables
  8. Cover and seal the pressure cooker and cook on high for 45 minutes. Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then vent to release the remaining steam.hand sealing the instant pot lid
  9. Add peas and turn the pressure cooker to the saute setting.adding peas to instant pot beef stew
  10. Make a slurry from the cornstarch and water. Add slurry to the pressure cooker. Stir everything together. Cook on the saute setting, stirring occasionally, until it simmers and small bubbles form.pouring cornstarch slurry into instant pot with peas, beef, potatoes, and carrotsinstant pot beef stew on the stove
  11. Turn off the pressure cooker and allow to rest for 5 minutes, this will allow the gravy to thicken a bit more as well.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I make it in the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Check out our crockpot beef stew recipe for cook times, ingredients, and more tips.

How do I store leftover beef stew?

Store leftover beef stew, cooled, in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. We love making this stew because the leftovers are just as delicious!

Can I freeze beef stew?

Yes, you can freeze this stew. To do so, allow it to fully cool, then transfer it to an air-tight container leaving space at the top (or in a large ziptop bag) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan.

Spoonful of Instant Pot Beef Stew above two bowls of Instant Pot Beef Stew

Serving Suggestions

Serve instant pot beef stew with a side of bread like homemade Italian bread or garlic cheese rolls to mop up the gravy.

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