![- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 3 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred) - 1 cup frozen peas (added just before serving) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 bay leaf - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste When making Instant Pot beef stew, the right ingredients make all the difference. First, I like to use beef chuck because it’s tender and flavorful after cooking. The olive oil helps sear the beef and lock in flavor. For aromatics, finely chopped onion and minced garlic add depth. Carrots and potatoes bring color and heartiness. I prefer low-sodium beef broth for control over salt levels. Adding frozen peas at the end keeps them bright and fresh. Now for the seasonings: tomato paste adds richness, while dried thyme and smoked paprika give a warm, earthy taste. A bay leaf enhances the overall flavor. Finally, don't forget salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and comforting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. - Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot. - Add olive oil and cook beef cubes until browned. Start by heating the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the beef cubes. Cook them in batches. This keeps the pot from getting crowded. Brown each side for about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to take the beef out. Set it aside on a plate. - Add onions and garlic to the pot. - Cook until onions are soft and translucent. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to become soft and clear. This step builds a great base for our stew. - Stir in tomato paste and return beef to pot. - Add carrots, potatoes, broth, thyme, smoked paprika, and seasonings. - Seal lid, set to High Pressure for 35 minutes. Next, stir in the tomato paste. Cook for one more minute to boost the flavor. Then, add the beef back into the pot. Now, toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix it well. Secure the lid and set the pot to High Pressure for 35 minutes. - Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes. - Stir in frozen peas and adjust final seasoning. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. After that, switch the valve to venting. Carefully open the lid and stir in the frozen peas. Let the stew sit for 5 minutes. This warms the peas without losing their bright color. Finally, taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, check the details above! To make the best beef stew, start with beef chuck. This cut has good fat and flavor. It cooks down nicely, making it tender. Don’t skip searing the beef before pressure cooking. Searing adds depth to the flavor. It locks in juices and gives your stew a rich color. You can boost the stew's taste by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. A bit of red wine can also enhance the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate your dish. They add a fresh, fragrant touch that makes the stew feel special. For a beautiful finish, garnish your stew with fresh parsley. The bright green adds color and freshness. Serve your beef stew with crusty bread or warm rolls. This combo makes for a comforting meal. You can soak up every last drop of that rich broth! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_4}} You can swap beef for chicken thighs or turkey. These options are leaner and still tasty. They also cook well in the Instant Pot. If you want to explore plant-based options, try using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Both options offer a different texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with the veggies. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even green beans. Each brings its own taste and nutrition. Seasonal vegetables also work great. Think of zucchini in summer or root veggies in winter for variety. Changing up the spices can lead to new flavors. For a fresh twist, try using Italian seasoning. If you love heat, add some cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. These small changes can make a big impact on your stew. Try out these variations to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. - Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It's best to cool the stew before storing. This helps prevent condensation. You want to keep all the great flavors fresh. - Freeze in portions for convenience. - Consume within 2-3 months for best quality. When freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. This helps save space and keeps the stew tasty. If you want to reheat later, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. - Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through. - Add a splash of broth to maintain consistency. Reheating on the stove helps keep the texture nice. If it seems thick, a bit of broth will help. This way, each bite tastes as good as the first! Follow the provided steps in the recipe for best results. Start by sautéing the beef. Brown it well to add flavor. Then, cook the onions and garlic until soft. Combine all ingredients and pressure cook. The process is quick and easy. It's recommended to thaw your beef for even cooking. Frozen beef may not brown well. This step is key to building a rich flavor. Always aim for fresh or thawed meat for best results. Consider serving with mashed potatoes or a green salad. Both sides complement the stew's rich flavors. You can also pair it with crusty bread. This offers a nice way to soak up the stew. Taste the stew before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Everyone has different taste buds. Start with a small amount, then add more as you like. This ensures the stew is just right for you. Yes, but check the broth for gluten-free labeling if sensitive. Some store-bought broths contain gluten. Always read the labels to ensure your meal is safe. Enjoy this hearty dish without worry! In this blog post, I outlined a simple recipe for Instant Pot beef stew. I shared key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and storage tips. You learned how to enhance flavor and explore variations in protein and vegetables. Keep in mind that good searing and the right cut of beef lead to tender results. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal your family will enjoy. I hope you feel confident trying this recipe. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e52b03c1-4e57-4892-bcf1-e62fc5fbd469-250x250.webp)
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Warm up with this Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew that's packed with rich flavors and tender beef! This easy recipe combines perfect ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and peas, all cooked to perfection in just over an hour. Follow our simple steps for a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Click through to discover how to make this delicious stew and enjoy cozy nights at home!