Beef Stew Instant Pot Slow Cook Recipe (Guide)

ByAmy

If there’s one dish that embodies comfort, warmth, and the kind of homey satisfaction that makes you feel wrapped in a cozy blanket, it’s a rich, hearty beef stew. The kind that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and makes everyone gather around the table without even asking. Now, traditionally, beef stew requires hours of slow simmering to tenderize the meat and meld flavors beautifully, but we live in the age of convenience-and that’s where the Instant Pot shines.

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With the magic of pressure cooking or slow cooking in the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a fraction of the time. It’s versatile, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or someone who barely has time to boil water, this recipe gives you all the tools to make a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, without the wait.

Beef Stew Instant Pot Slow Cook Recipe

beef stew instant pot slow cook recipe

This recipe is all about balance: tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, a savory broth that’s both rich and comforting, and seasoning that hits just the right notes. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing for substitutions or tweaks depending on what you have on hand.

  • Cooking Style: Instant Pot (Pressure Cook or Slow Cook)
  • Servings: 6-8 hearty portions
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time

    • Pressure Cook: 35-40 minutes
    • Slow Cook: 6-8 hours on low

This recipe isn’t just about feeding your hunger-it’s about creating an experience, one spoonful at a time.

Ingredient List

For a classic, rich, and comforting beef stew:

  • Beef

    • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-2 inch cubes (ideal for melting into tenderness)

  • Vegetables

    • 4 medium carrots, sliced thickly
    • 3 celery stalks, chopped
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)

  • Aromatics & Flavor Enhancers

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

  • Liquids

    • 4 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
    • 1 cup red wine (optional, adds richness)

  • Herbs & Seasoning

    • 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • 2 bay leaves

  • Thickening Option

    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thicker stew)

Instruction Guide

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to make sure your beef stew turns out perfectly:

  1. Prep The Beef

    • Pat beef cubes dry with a paper towel. This ensures they brown properly.
    • Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Sear The Beef

    • Select ’Sauté’ on the Instant Pot. Add a tablespoon of oil and sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides.
    • Remove beef and set aside. Browning adds deep flavor.

  3. Cook The Aromatics

    • In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
    • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

  4. Deglaze The Pot

    • Pour in red wine or a splash of broth to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. This step is key for a flavorful base.

  5. Add The Main Ingredients

    • Return beef to the pot.
    • Add carrots, celery, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and remaining broth. Stir gently.

  6. Cook

    • Pressure Cook: Seal the lid, set to high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release.
    • Slow Cook: Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

  7. Thicken (optional)

    • If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer on ’Sauté’ for 3-5 minutes until the stew thickens.

  8. Final Touches

    • Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Ingredient Swaps

Life happens, and sometimes your pantry doesn’t have exactly what a recipe calls for. Here are some safe substitutions:

  • Beef

    • Chuck can be swapped for brisket, short ribs, or even stew meat labeled as “beef for slow cooking”.

  • Potatoes

    • Yukon Gold, Russet, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.

  • Liquid

    • Chicken or vegetable broth can work in a pinch, though it changes the depth slightly.

  • Red Wine

    • Use extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

  • Herbs

    • Fresh herbs can replace dried (triple the amount if using fresh).

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t skip browning the meat: It’s the single step that makes the stew taste rich and complex.
  • Cut vegetables evenly: Ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
  • Layer flavors: Adding tomato paste and deglazing builds depth in your broth.
  • Avoid overfilling the Instant Pot: Leave at least 1 inch of space to prevent overflow.
  • Rest the stew: Letting it sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Customization Ideas

This stew is versatile and forgiving. Here’s how to make it your own:

  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Mushroom Lover: Add 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms for earthiness.
  • Herb-Forward: Toss in fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary right before serving.
  • Starch Variations: Serve over rice, mashed cauliflower, or buttered noodles instead of potatoes.
  • Slow Cooker Only: If you prefer, skip pressure cooking entirely. Just let it simmer low and slow for maximum tenderness.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Beef In My Instant Pot For Beef Stew?

Yes, you can use frozen beef in the Instant Pot. However, cooking times will need to be extended. For slow cooking, it is recommended to thaw the beef first for even cooking and to ensure tenderness.

How Long Should I Slow Cook Beef Stew In An Instant Pot?

On the slow cook setting, beef stew typically takes 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 6 hours on high. Using the pressure cook function can reduce the time to around 35-45 minutes.

Do I Need To Brown The Beef Before Cooking?

Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor and color, but it is not strictly necessary. The Instant Pot’s sauté function can be used for browning directly in the pot.

What Vegetables Are Best For Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Common vegetables include carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and parsnips. Root vegetables work well because they hold their shape during slow cooking.

Can I Thicken The Stew Directly In The Instant Pot?

Yes, after cooking, you can thicken the stew by turning on the sauté function and adding a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water. Stir until the stew reaches the desired consistency.

What Type Of Beef Cut Is Ideal For Instant Pot Stew?

Tougher cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round are ideal because slow cooking tenderizes the meat and infuses the stew with rich flavor.

Can I Use Broth Or Stock Instead Of Water?

Yes, using beef broth or stock instead of water adds depth and richness to the stew. You can also mix broth with a small amount of red wine for enhanced flavor.

Is It Necessary To Release The Pressure Manually For Beef Stew?

For slow-cooked beef stew, the slow cook function does not create pressure, so there is no need for pressure release. If using pressure cook mode, a natural release for 10-15 minutes is recommended to maintain tenderness.

Can I Double The Recipe In The Instant Pot?

You can double the recipe, but ensure the total volume does not exceed the maximum fill line of the Instant Pot. Overfilling can cause uneven cooking or trigger safety mechanisms.

How Can I Enhance The Flavor Of Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Layering flavors helps: brown the beef, sauté onions and garlic, deglaze the pot with wine or broth, add herbs like thyme and bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper throughout cooking.

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