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Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

Krysta
A classic, comforting beef stew made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This recipe delivers incredibly tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, perfect for a satisfying family dinner without the long simmering times.
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Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)

Instructions
 

  • Season beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Set your Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Add olive oil. Once hot, brown the beef in batches until seared on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Deglaze the pot with about 1/4 cup of beef broth, scraping the bottom to remove any stuck-on bits.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, and diced potatoes. Stir to combine.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes.
  • Once cooking is complete, allow a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to VENTING for a QUICK RELEASE of any remaining pressure.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the stew. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
  • Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the stew. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens to your desired consistency (2-5 minutes).
  • Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Beef Stew!

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine after sautéing the aromatics and before adding the broth. You can also experiment with different root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Keyword beef stew, instant pot, pressure cooker, hearty meal, comfort food, easy dinner, beef recipe, root vegetables