If you love the cozy, hearty flavors of a classic beef stew but don’t have hours to wait, this Instant Pot version is a game-changer. Tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth come together in under an hour. Every bite delivers that slow-cooked taste, making it ideal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or any time you need a satisfying meal fast.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2 lbs |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Carrots, sliced | 4 medium |
| Potatoes, diced | 4 medium |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
| Dried rosemary | ½ tsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Frozen peas (optional) | 1 cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Beef
Pat the beef stew meat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the beef in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–5 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour ¼ cup beef broth into the pot and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Build the Stew
Return the seared beef and any juices to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth and 1 cup water. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Layer the carrots, potatoes, and celery on top without stirring.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the valve to seal. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) on high for 35 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to vent any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Optional Peas
If using, switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Discard the bay leaves and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt or Worcestershire sauce as needed. Serve the stew in bowls, making sure each portion has a good balance of beef, vegetables, and broth. Enjoy with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
