Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, and making it in the Instant Pot makes the process faster and just as delicious. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. The Instant Pot infuses the flavors beautifully, delivering a stew that tastes like it simmered for hours in a fraction of the time.

Equipment:

• Instant Pot or pressure cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add olive oil. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear the pieces in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add Ingredients:
   • Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaves, and the remaining beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Pressure Cook:
   • Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the stew thickens.
7. Add Peas:
   • Stir in the frozen peas and let them warm through for about 2 minutes.
8. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaves, ladle into bowls, and enjoy warm.

Presentation Ideas:

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, use beef chuck roast for its marbling and tenderness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot while searing the beef; work in batches for the best results.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is the perfect go-to recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this stew is sure to please every time!