Name: Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean beef stew meat; 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 small sweet onion, finely diced; 3 cups beef broth (regular sodium), divided; 8 ounces canned tomato sauce; 1 ¼ pounds red potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes; 3 celery stalks, cut into ¼-inch pieces; 1 pound carrots, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons salt, to taste; ¾ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon ground sage; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 15 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe with friends because it’s one of those comforting, hearty meals that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. There’s something so satisfying about tender chunks of beef slowly cooked until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender, simmered together with vibrant carrots, potatoes, and fragrant herbs—all brought together effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This stew is a perfect blend of rich flavors and cozy textures, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

When it comes to hearty meals that truly satisfy, this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe checks all the boxes for me. The flavor profile is incredibly rich yet balanced, with the garlic and herbs infusing every bite, and the tomato sauce adding gentle acidity that brightens the dish. The vegetables soften perfectly without losing their body, providing sweetness and earthiness that harmonize with the beef’s robust flavor. I’m always amazed at how tender the meat becomes in just 30 minutes of pressure cooking, creating a stew that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day.

What really excites me about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. The Instant Pot does most of the work, and I love that I can sauté the meat and build layers of flavor right in the same pot—no extra dishes or fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want a wholesome meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it shines at casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when I want to impress guests without stress. This stew stands out because it offers that “made-from-scratch” soul-warming taste with unbeatable convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny silver pot, there is a mix of chopped vegetables and broth. The bottom layer is a dark brown broth with visible herbs spread evenly. Floating on top, there are thick slices of bright orange carrots, chopped pale green celery, white onion pieces, and chunks of red-skinned potatoes with white inside. The colors contrast well against the shiny silver pot's smooth inner surface. The image is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe are simple, fresh, and easy to find. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or contributing beautiful color to the final dish.

Beef stew meat (1 ½ pounds lean): This is the hearty backbone of the stew—choose lean cuts for tenderness without excess fat.
Oil (2 tablespoons): I prefer avocado or olive oil for sautéing because they give a rich, clean flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
Garlic cloves (3, finely minced): Garlic adds depth and warmth to every spoonful, enhancing the savory notes throughout.
Beef broth (3 cups, divided): It’s the liquid gold that forms the stew’s rich base—using regular sodium helps control the saltiness.
Tomato sauce (8 ounces canned): This adds a subtle tang and thickens the stew slightly, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Red potatoes (1 ¼ pounds, cut into ½-inch cubes): The potatoes give body and creaminess, soaking up all the delicious juices.
Celery stalks (3, sliced ¼-inch): Celery adds a fresh crunch and mild bitterness to temper the rich beef.
Carrots (1 pound, cut into ½-inch pieces): Sweetness and color come from the carrots, making the stew vibrant and inviting.
Sweet onion (1 small, finely diced): The onions melt down into the broth, bringing a gentle sweetness and complexity.
Brown sugar (2 teaspoons packed): This little touch enhances the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Salt (2 teaspoons, to taste): Essential for bringing all the ingredients to life.
Black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the stew’s harmony.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Thyme offers earthy, herbal notes that perfectly complement beef.
Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Its piney aroma brings an elegant touch of warmth.
Ground sage (½ teaspoon): Sage adds a cozy, slightly peppery layer to the seasoning mix.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Used to make a slurry for thickening the stew to the perfect consistency.
Frozen peas (1 cup): Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds brightness and a lovely finishing touch.

Directions

Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and pour in the oil. Once hot, add the beef stew meat and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s lightly browned on all sides. This step seals in the juices and builds rich flavor.

Step 2: Add the finely minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, making sure it doesn’t burn—garlic cooks quickly but adds such an amazing aroma!

Step 3: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth, and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits stuck to the surface. Those bits pack incredible flavor into the stew.

Step 4: Add the tomato sauce, potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is set to “sealed.”

Step 5: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: While the stew is resting, warm up the remaining ½ cup of beef broth. In a small bowl, whisk the warmed broth together with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, creating a slurry that will thicken your stew perfectly.

Step 7: Set the Instant Pot back to the sauté function and stir in the cornstarch slurry and the frozen peas. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the stew thickens to your liking and the peas are heated through.

Step 8: Scoop portions into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and serve with gluten-free bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. Enjoy every cozy bite!

Servings and Timing

This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe makes approximately 6 generous servings—perfect for feeding a family or having wholesome leftovers. Prepare your ingredients and sauté the beef in about 15 minutes. The pressure cooker does its magic in 30 minutes of active cooking, plus a 10-minute natural pressure release to keep the beef tender. Allow about 5 extra minutes to thicken the stew and finish off with the peas. That gives you a total hands-on time around 50 minutes and an overall time of about 1 hour from start to finish. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed—this dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh!

How to Serve This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

A close-up view of a ladle filled with homemade beef stew, held above a pot of rich brown broth. The ladle contains several layers: at the base, tender chunks of dark brown beef with visible seasoning; scattered around are bright green peas adding pops of color; thick slices of orange carrot and pale yellow potato pieces create a warm contrast; bits of translucent light green celery add texture, all immersed in a shiny, thick brown gravy that fills the ladle and the pot beneath. The background shows more stew with floating vegetables on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, I love pairing it with warm gluten-free bread or buttery crackers so I can scoop up every last bit of that luscious broth. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the stew with crisp, refreshing notes. For presentation, I sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color and freshness that makes the dish visually appealing as well as tasty.

For beverages, I often reach for a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Pinot Noir that complements the beef without overpowering the stew’s herbal nuances. If you’re serving this at a family gathering or casual dinner, a sparkling water with lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea works beautifully to refresh the palate. Since this stew is so comforting, I always recommend serving it piping hot to bring out all those cozy flavors—cold or room temperature just don’t do it justice.

This recipe shines on weeknights when I want something nourishing with minimal fuss, but it also works for holiday dinners or a Sunday supper when everyone gathers around the table. Portion-wise, I serve about 1 to 1 ½ cups per person alongside sides, which keeps everyone happily full without feeling heavy. No matter the occasion, this stew turns any meal into something special.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to mix things up, you can easily substitute the beef stew meat for boneless chuck roast or even short ribs that you cut into chunks—these cuts add a deliciously rich flavor and maintain tenderness. For a lighter spin, try adding mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor or swapping some of the potatoes for parsnips or turnips for a slightly different earthiness.

If you or someone you’re cooking for follows a gluten-free diet, this stew is naturally suitable—just be sure to use gluten-free cornstarch and check your broth and tomato sauce labels. For vegetarian or vegan options, I recommend replacing the beef with a hearty mushroom medley and using vegetable broth, along with adding lentils or chickpeas to keep the protein content high. The cooking time might vary slightly, but the Instant Pot will still make the process seamless.

Flavor-wise, you can experiment by switching up the herbs: fresh rosemary or thyme can replace the dried versions for a brighter taste, or try adding smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. Although I love this recipe in the Instant Pot for its ease and speed, it also adapts well to slow cooking if you prefer a longer, gentler braise—you’ll just sacrifice some time in exchange for that extra depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef stew is a dream to have on hand. I store any leftovers in airtight containers—glass works great since it doesn’t absorb odors and is microwave safe. Be sure to cool the stew to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, providing a quick and flavorful meal solution.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or future busy days. To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it into heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date, and it will keep its best quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If you’re short on time, reheating in the microwave in 1-2 minute increments works well—just be sure to cover the container to retain moisture. Avoid boiling the stew again as this can toughen the beef and break down the vegetables too much. If the stew has thickened too much after refrigeration, a splash of broth or water added during reheating helps restore the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While I use lean stew meat because it cooks quickly and becomes tender in the Instant Pot, you can also opt for chuck roast or brisket cut into cubes. Just keep in mind tougher cuts might benefit from a slightly longer cooking time to break down fully. Adjust your cooking accordingly for the best results.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before pressure cooking?

I highly recommend sautéing the meat first because it builds a richer, deeper flavor by caramelizing the beef’s surface. This step also helps prevent the dreaded “burn” message on the Instant Pot by creating a nice fond on the bottom that incorporates into the stew. Skipping it can save time but may result in a less robust flavor.

Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cornstarch and check that the beef broth and tomato sauce you choose do not contain gluten. It’s a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make this stew vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegan version, swap out the beef for a mix of hearty mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cooking time may need to be shortened slightly since plant-based ingredients cook faster than meat. The rich mix of vegetables and herbs ensures it still tastes absolutely fantastic.

What’s the best way to thicken the stew?

The cornstarch slurry method I use here is my favorite because it allows you to control the stew’s thickness easily. By whisking cornstarch into warm broth before adding it in, you prevent lumps and get a glossy, thickened broth quickly. You can also substitute with arrowroot powder or a small amount of flour if you prefer, but adjust the quantity accordingly.

Conclusion

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe—it’s truly one of my favorite go-tos when I crave something comforting, hearty, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this stew delivers cozy flavors and tender textures that will warm everyone’s hearts. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection just like it has for me.