Hearty beef stew in a fraction of the time
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6
8 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Hearty beef stew in a fraction of the time
★4.6(25)
Rich, hearty beef stew with tender chunks of beef and vegetables made in the Instant Pot in under an hour. Tastes like it simmered all day.
15m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
50m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The Instant Pot turns a slow-simmered stew into a weeknight-possible meal. Pressure cooking achieves meltingly tender beef in a fraction of the traditional time.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 1.5 lbs potatoes, cubed
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion, diced
Instructions
- 1
Set Instant Pot to Saute. Brown beef in batches with oil until seared on all sides. Remove.
- 2
Saute onion 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in broth and scrape up browned bits.
- 3
Return beef to pot. Add potatoes and carrots. Lock the lid and set to Pressure Cook High for 35 minutes.
- 4
Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- 5
Stir and season with salt and pepper. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Beef chuckStew meat (pre-cut)
Convenient but may be less tender
PotatoesSweet potatoes or parsnips
Different but equally hearty
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't skip the searing step—it adds tremendous depth of flavor.
Add frozen peas at the end for color and freshness.
This stew tastes even better the next day.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding broth if too thick.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (100mg) · 6 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein36g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat32g
Fiber620mg
Sugar4g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to come to pressure?
- About 10-15 minutes, so total wall time is about 50-60 minutes.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Yes, but don't fill the Instant Pot past the 2/3 line.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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