Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew – This mouthwatering and easy to make Instant Pot Beef Stew is sure to become one of your favorite ever Instant Pot recipes! Tender beef is simmered in a super flavorful and hearty broth that’s packed with veggies!
Table of Contents

Life Changing Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef, chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 1-2-inch chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
- 2 stalks celery, sliced diagonally in thick pieces
- 6 carrots, sliced diagonally in thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons small tapioca (affiliate link)- see notes
- 1/2 cup tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions: Place everything in the Instant Pot. Select the stew/meat setting (about 35 minutes, high pressure). After it’s done, let everything mellow out for about 10 minutes before releasing the steam. Technically at this point, it’s done. But I recommend finishing with a quick browning session in the oven (see notes below).
Traditional Oven Instructions: Preheat oven to 320 degrees. Place all ingredients in a baking dish – it can be glass or ceramic (we use a round casserole dish – something between 8×8 and 9×13). Cover with foil and bake for 3-4 hours. If the gravy dries out, you can add a little water to the gravy to loosen it up before serving. See notes below for additional modifications/instructions.
Slow Cooker Instructions: Place everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours until tender and cooked through. Technically at this point, it’s done. But I recommend finishing with a quick browning session in the oven (see notes below).
Finishing in the Oven: Whether you make this in the oven or in the Instant Pot, I recommend finishing by giving it about 10-20 minutes in a hot oven (400-ish degrees), uncovered, before serving. It gets the meat nice and caramelized on top and helps the gravy thicken up.
Nutrition Information: Instant Pot Beef Stew
Learning about the nutrition in Instant Pot Beef Stew makes it even more special. Each serving is a filling meal that’s good for you. It has about 401 calories, with protein and carbs from the veggies. This keeps me full and gives me energy all day.
Calories and Macronutrients Overview
Here’s what you need to know about its nutrients:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 ¼ cups) |
| Calories | 401 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 19.5g |
Essential Spices and Sauces
Spices and sauces make my homemade instant pot beef stew complete. Worcestershire sauce adds umami. Beef broth keeps it moist and flavorful. These ingredients make the stew balanced and delicious.
| Ingredient | Type | Recommended Quantity |
| Chuck Roast | Meat | 2 lbs. |
| Carrots | Vegetable | 2-3, cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces |
| Potatoes (Russet) | Vegetable | 2-3, cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces |
| Onions | Vegetable | 1-2, cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces |
| Garlic | Flavoring | 2-3 cloves, minced |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Sauce | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Beef Broth | Liquid | 4 cups |
Cooking Process in the Instant Pot
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, brown the beef for 5-7 minutes. This makes it taste better. After browning, take out the beef. Add onions and garlic. Cook until they’re soft. Then, add a bit of beef broth to the pot. This helps get all the browned bits. Put the beef back in with the carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and broth. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before quickly releasing. You’ll have a delicious stew in under an hour! This method makes meal prep easy. It creates a comforting dish perfect for any time. Serve it warm and enjoy the praise from your family and friends!
| Ingredient | Cost |
| Beef stew meat (2.5 lbs) | $9.98 |
| Salt and pepper | $0.05 |
| Flour (2 tbsp) | $0.02 |
| Butter (2 tbsp) | $0.22 |
| Beef broth (2 cups) | $0.26 |
| Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) | $0.06 |
| Soy sauce (1 tbsp) | $0.10 |
| Brown sugar (½ tbsp) | $0.02 |
| Garlic (2 cloves) | $0.16 |
| Tomato paste (2 tbsp) | $0.13 |
| Dried rosemary (1 tsp) | $0.10 |
| Dried thyme (1 tsp) | $0.10 |
| Frozen pearl onions (14 oz) | $2.97 |
| Mushrooms (8 oz) | $1.90 |
| Carrots (1 lb) | $0.99 |
| Potatoes (0.75 lb) | $0.84 |
| Total Cost | $18.16 |
Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew
Making the best instant pot beef stew with potatoes is easy. Just follow a few simple steps. These tips will make your stew delicious and hearty.
The Importance of Searing Beef
Searing beef is very important. It makes the stew taste better. Brown the meat for four minutes on each side. This step makes the stew look and taste amazing. Skipping it means missing out on flavor.
How to Achieve the Right Texture
Getting the right texture is key. Cut the beef into 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking. Cook for 35 minutes at high pressure. Then, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This makes the meat tender and juicy. Follow these tips for the best stew.
Adjusting Flavors in Instant Pot Beef Stew
When I make beef stew in the Instant Pot, I aim for deep flavors. I add red wine during deglazing for a complex taste. Choosing homemade broth also makes a big difference.These steps help me make the stew my own. It becomes more enjoyable to eat.
Adding Depth with Wine or Broth
Here are some tips to make your beef stew taste better:
- Adding 1 cup of dry red wine makes the stew richer.
- If you don’t use wine, add 5 cups of broth for balance.
- Try mixing beef and vegetable broth for a fancy touch.
- Homemade broth tastes better and lets you control salt.
The mix of nutrients in this stew makes it a great choice. It has lots of protein for muscle repair and feeling full. The fiber from the veggies also helps with digestion.
Customizing Ingredients to Fit Dietary Needs
Here are some ways to make the stew your own:
- Use arrowroot instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free stew.
- Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for more sweetness.
- Add parsnips or butternut squash for extra flavor and texture.
- Try different meats like brisket or stew meat for new tastes.
Options for Gluten-Free and Whole 30 Versions
For gluten-free or Whole30 diets, making changes is easy:
- Use gluten-free beef broth to keep it rich and follow your diet.
- Make sure any sauces, like Worcestershire, are gluten-free.
- Add lots of veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra nutrition.
Customizing your instant pot beef stew makes it special. Enjoy making it your own and enjoy every bite!
Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Beef Stew
Storing and reheating my Instant Pot Beef Stew is key to meal prep. I keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Freezing it for up to three months is also an option. This saves time and reduces waste, letting me enjoy the stew whenever I want. Reheating the stew is easy and keeps its rich taste. The Instant Pot makes it simple to reheat using its functions. The “Keep Warm” feature keeps it at a safe 145 degrees F. For a full reheat, it should reach 165 degrees F.
Here are some tips for reheating your beef stew:
- Use the Instant Pot’s Steam function with about 1 tablespoon of water per cup of stew for even warming.
- Set the Instant Pot to 0 minutes for soup while it comes to pressure, ensuring a quick reheating cycle.
- Allow for natural pressure release for 5 minutes after reheating to avoid splattering.
- For the stovetop alternative, set the oven or toaster oven to at least 325 degrees F.
- Monitor closely when reheating on the stove to avoid any spills or burns.
| Reheating Method | Recommended Temperature | Time |
| Instant Pot (Steam) | 165°F for safety | 5-10 minutes |
| Stovetop | Medium Heat (at least 325°F) | 15-20 minutes |
| Oven/Toaster Oven | 325°F | 20-25 minutes |
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