Name: Easy Delish Instant Pot Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes); 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups potatoes (diced); 1.5 cups carrots (sliced); 1 cup onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt (to taste); 0.5 tsp black pepper (to taste)

Okay, so picture this: it’s Tuesday, the laundry mountain is threatening to avalanche, and my hair officially entered “rat’s nest chic” territory approximately two days ago. But dinner? Dinner is going to be amazing, even if I have to wrestle a toddler with one hand while stirring. Because that, my friends, is the magic of Easy Delish Instant Pot Beef Stew. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that pretty much cooks itself, giving you back precious minutes to, you know, find a matching sock or hide from your responsibilities. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and it’ll make you look like a culinary genius without actually requiring any genius whatsoever. You absolutely need this in your life, especially if your life, like mine, is currently 90% chaos and 10% caffeine-fueled delusion.

My husband, bless his heart, thinks “cooking” means opening a bag of chips. So when I make this stew, it’s always a bit of a performance. The first time, he walked into the kitchen, sniffed the air like a bloodhound, and declared, “What IS that smell? Something… good?” Like he’d just discovered a rare culinary unicorn. Then he proceeded to hover, asking if it was ready every five minutes, until I finally shooed him away with a wooden spoon. The kids, naturally, were suspicious. My youngest, Leo, peered into the pot and announced, “It’s brown soup with squares!” But then, within minutes, both boys were demolishing it, even the carrots (I know, right?!). The only complaint? “Mom, why isn’t there more?” Because, darling, Mommy also wants leftovers for her secret midnight snack, that’s why.

🥩

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Easy Delish Instant Pot Beef Stew

Reason 1: It’s basically a time machine. You get that slow-simmered, all-day flavor in a fraction of the time. Magic? Probably.
Reason 2: One-pot wonder! Less dishes means more time for important things, like binging terrible reality TV.
Reason 3: You can practically throw everything in, set it, and forget it. Perfect for those days when your brain cells have already clocked out.
Reason 4: It’s the ultimate comfort food. Warm, rich, and guaranteed to make you feel like everything is going to be okay, even if you still can’t find that matching sock.
Reason 5: Even picky eaters (read: my kids) tend to devour this. It’s like a stealth veggie delivery system.

Time-Saving Hacks

Shortcut that keeps you sane: Grab a bag of pre-chopped mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) from the produce section. Seriously, don’t even pretend you have time to chop all that.
Hack that saves dishes but still looks like effort: Sauté your beef right in the Instant Pot liner. Boom! One less pan to wash.
The sneaky “cheat” you always pull when you’re in a rush: Pre-minced garlic in a jar. Don’t judge my shortcuts; you know you do it too.

Kitchen Confessions

The disaster story: Once, in my haste, I forgot to properly deglaze the pot after searing the beef. Cue the dreaded “BURN” error and a frantic scramble to rescue dinner. The beef still tasted good, but my ego took a hit.
A silly mistake you or your family made with this recipe: My husband once tried to scoop the raw stew ingredients into a bowl before I’d even started the Instant Pot. He thought it was some kind of deconstructed salad. Bless his heart.
Honest admission: the messy part you secretly skip: Perfectly browning every single piece of beef. Sometimes, a “rustic” sear is all I can manage before the hunger monster (mine) takes over.

What to Serve It With

Honestly? A big, crusty loaf of bread for maximum dunking potential is all you really need. If you’re feeling fancy, a pile of creamy mashed potatoes or some egg noodles are divine. A simple green salad on the side makes it feel sophisticated, but let’s be real, you’re mostly there for the stew.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the beef. Do it in batches to get a nice brown crust, which adds a ton of flavor.
Mistake: Forgetting to deglaze the pot properly after searing. Those browned bits at the bottom are flavor bombs, but they can also trigger a “BURN” error if not scraped up before pressure cooking.
Tip: Resist the urge to add thickeners (like a cornstarch slurry) until *after* the pressure cooking is done. You want to thicken the liquid, not potentially mess with the pressure build-up.
Mistake: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning *after* cooking. Broth, beef, and veggies all vary, so a final seasoning check is crucial for a perfectly balanced stew.

Storage Tips

Keep it in the fridge… assuming there’s anything left. Midnight cold bites? Honestly better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever—honey ↔ sugar, tamari ↔ soy sauce—or skip a step and call it rustic. Still edible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure the beef stew meat is perfectly tender and not chewy?

For melt-in-your-mouth beef, make sure you don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot when searing; do it in batches to get a good crust. The Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking is designed to tenderize tough cuts like stew meat, so trust the process and the recommended cooking time. If after natural pressure release it’s still a bit firm, you can always cook it for a few more minutes under pressure.

My Instant Pot beef stew turned out too watery. How can I thicken it?

It’s a common occurrence! After the stew is cooked and the pressure has been released, you can easily thicken it. Create a slurry by whisking together a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I add different vegetables to this beef stew, and when should I add them?

Absolutely! This stew is very forgiving. Root vegetables like potatoes or parsnips can be added along with the carrots and celery before pressure cooking. If you’re adding softer vegetables like peas or green beans, stir them in *after* the pressure cooking cycle is complete and let them warm through in the hot stew for a few minutes to retain their texture and vibrant color.

Can I prepare this Easy Delish Instant Pot Beef Stew ahead of time or freeze it?

This stew is fantastic for make-ahead meals! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

I sometimes get a “BURN” error on my Instant Pot. How can I avoid that with this stew?

The “BURN” error usually happens if there are browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot or not enough liquid. After searing your beef, make sure to thoroughly deglaze the pot by adding some broth and scraping up all those flavorful bits with a wooden spoon before adding the rest of your ingredients. This ensures nothing is stuck to the bottom that could scorch during pressure cooking.

Loading…