Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew Dump and Start

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Instant Pot Beef Stew is hearty, filling, and easy to make in just one pot! This satisfying beef stew Instant Pot recipe requires minimal prep and is great for meal prep.

Suitable for Gluten-free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

This warming, hearty and easy Instant Pot Beef Stew is quick and easy to whip up. #instantpotbeefstew #beefstew #instantpotstew #easyinstantpotrecipes #instantpotbeefstewrecipe #easyinstantpotbeefstew #glutenfreeinstantpotbeefstew #healthyinstantpotbeefstew #instantpotbeefstew #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipe #glutenfreebeefstew #glutenfreestew
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Use the “Sauté” function to thicken the broth.
  • There are 10 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving of this.
  • Nutrition

    Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 396mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5270IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg

    Hearty easy Instant Pot Beef Stew is the best beef stew, folks. It’s made in one pot in less than an hour and only requires minimal cleanup.

    And, who doesn’t love one-pot meals that are hearty, full of delicious filling veggies, and super simple to make??? 

    Even better, making this beef stew in Instant Pot is easy because it is a Dump and Start Beef Stew made with affordable pantry staples and an utterly delicious comfort food treat.

    Pressure cook beef stew for easy lunches and suppers, and take a batch with you to your next potluck gathering. You’ll have the guests asking for your recipe for sure. Same with this Instant Pot Pot Roast or this easy Instant Pot Lentil Soup.

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    For even more stews, try this Instant Pot Venison Stew or this easy Instant Pot Lamb Stew.

    A bowl of Instant Pot Beef Stew on a plate with a spoon

    Why Make This Recipe

    • It’s Easy to Make – This recipe needs only 10 ingredients, all of which, you already have in your pantry and the whole thing comes together in just 35 minutes.
    • It Feeds a Crowd – Feed up to 8 people or a smaller group with leftovers for another meal.
    • It’s Gluten Free – This stew recipe is wheat free so it’s perfect for gluten free diets.
    Instant pot quick start guide image

    Ingredient Notes

    • Beef – Select a marbled chuck roast and cut into 2-inch cubes or purchase beef stew meat.
    • Potatoes – Use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Peeling is optional.
    • Carrots – Cut larger carrots into thick rounds or substitute baby carrots.
    • Celery – Slice celery into thin half moons.
    • Beef Broth – Using unsalted beef broth lets you control the saltiness. Heat the broth before adding it for the best results.
    • Tomato Puree – Add canned puree or passata to flavor the roast and gravy. You could also use tomato sauce.
    • Honey – For a touch of sweetness. Substitute real maple syrup if desired.
    • Italian Seasoning – Or use your favorite seasoning blend.
    • Salt and Pepper – Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
    the ingredients needed to make instant pot beef stew

    Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

    For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Instant Pot Tools on Amazon.

    How To Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

    To help you make amazing dinners without stress, I created the Instant Pot Dump & Dash Recipe Book. It includes my best instant pot recipes, tips, a weekly planner, and grocery lists. Just download, print, and impress your family. 😉

    Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

    1. Add all the ingredients into the Instant Pot insert and stir to combine.
    2. Place the lid on and turn the valve to the sealing position.
    3. Select the stew setting and cook until done.
    4. Allow for a natural pressure release (about 10-15 minutes) before opening.

    Or you can brown the meat first…

    1. Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot and brown the beef in batches. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
    2. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth to prevent the burn warning. 
    3. Add all the ingredients, including the browned beef, into the Instant Pot insert mix, cover the pot and turn the valve to sealing,
    4. Choose the stew setting and cook until done.
    5. Allow for a natural pressure release (about 10-15 minutes) then quick release any remaining pressure before opening. Serve hot.

    OK, so the second method only adds about 7 minutes of cooking time to your stew but that browning of the meat adds such an amazing extra depth of flavor, that it is worth doing if you have time.

    Internal Temperature

    This recipe is designed to cook the meat so it is cooked through but tender. You can check for doneness using a digital meat thermometer. Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F / 62 degrees C.

    top down view of the instant pot beef stew ingredients inside the instant pot

    Pro Tips

    • Opt for tougher cuts like chuck roast, stew meat, or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure and are often less expensive.
    • To make the prep work for your instapot beef stew even more simple, you can buy pre-cubed beef stew meat, or just ask your butcher to cut it into cubes for you. Make sure it’s cut into bigger size pieces.
    • Make sure to cut the vegetables in bigger chunks so they don’t fall apart.
    • Browning the Instant Pot stew meat first adds a nice depth of flavor
    • For the best results and great meat texture, you want to naturally release the pressure for the time stated.
    • Choose a high-quality beef or vegetable broth to enhance the stew’s flavor. Homemade broth is great if you have it.
    • Do make sure to deglaze the pot after browning the meat to avoid having the burn notice. Use soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or red wine for an even more flavorful beef stew.
    • Use a wooden spoon to deglaze. This prevents scratching the inner pot.
    • Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up all the flavorful gravy.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.
    • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Use the “Sauté” function to thicken the broth.

    Delicious Variations 

    • Change the Broth: Trade out the beef broth for chicken broth or vegetable broth.  
    • Add more Vegetables: Add in different root veggies like rutabaga and parsnips.
    • Vary the Meat: Feel free to use other meat like venison instead.  
    • Kick up the Flavor: Add tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, or a splash of red wine to enhance the flavor.
    • Add Frozen Peas: Toss in a small bag of frozen peas just before serving. Cover the cooked stew and peas with the instant pot lid for a few minutes to let the peas warm through.

    Prep And Storage

    Like many stews, this tastes even better the next day.

    • Prep Ahead – Chop the veggies ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 
    • Storage – Leftover stew should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this will last about 4-5 days.
    • Freeze – Let stew cool down, then transfer into these convenient Ziploc freezer bags. Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags. Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    • Defrost and Reheat – Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the microwave, or in a skillet or saucepan.
    Pressure Cooker Beef Stew recipe in a bowl with a spoon and cloth next to it

    FAQs

    Can I Double This Recipe?

    Absolutely. You can double this Instapot stew as long as you make it in one of the bigger pots like the 8qt. Just make sure the ingredients stay below the fill line.

    How Do I Thicken This Stew?

    If you want a thicker stew, then make a flour paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornflour with 2 tablespoons water, mix this in when the stew is done, select sauté, and bring it to a boil before switching off.

    How Long To Cook Beef Stew In Instant Pot?

    This recipe uses the stew setting on the Instant Pot. This pre-programmed setting automatically cooks for 35 minutes at high pressure.

    What Is The Best Cut of Beef To Use For Beef Stew?

    When choosing a cut of beef, opt for tougher cuts like chuck roast, stew meat, or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when pressure-cooked.
    I love having some meat with a bit of fat for making Pressure Cooker Beef Stew. That way, the meat stays juicy, plus the fat adds a bit of extra flavor.

    But really it is up to you which you use. Although these cuts usually benefit from low and slow cooking, pressure cooking this hearty stew makes it tender in a hurry.

    Meat options include chuck roast (nice due to the connective tissue), brisket, and round roast. You can also get beef cubes from the butcher or supermarket. Just make sure it is called stew meat.

    Do I need to sear the meat before pressure cooking?

    Searing the meat before pressure cooking enhances the flavor by caramelizing the surface. It’s a recommended step, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

    Can I use frozen beef?

    While it’s possible to use frozen meat, it’s generally recommended to thaw the meat first for even cooking. If using frozen meat you will need to increase the overall cooking time.

    How do I thicken beef stew?

    To thicken beef stew, mix a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew until the stew thickens. Use the “Sauté” function to thicken the broth before serving.

    Can I prepare this on the stove?

    You can make beef stew on the stove in a dutch oven. Brown the meat then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Place into a 350 degrees F oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until the meat is tender.

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    Serving with

    Weight Watchers Points

    There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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    This warming, hearty and easy Instant Pot Beef Stew is quick and easy to whip up. #instantpotbeefstew #beefstew #instantpotstew #easyinstantpotrecipes #instantpotbeefstewrecipe #easyinstantpotbeefstew #glutenfreeinstantpotbeefstew #healthyinstantpotbeefstew #instantpotbeefstew #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipe #glutenfreebeefstew #glutenfreestew
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    4.95 from 20 votes

    Instant Pot Beef Stew

    It's easy to make hearty, satisfying Beef Stew in Instant Pot.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Cook Time30 minutes
    Total Time35 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Western
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 364kcal
    Author: Bintu Hardy

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds (900g) beef cut into 2-inch cubes
    • 2 potatoes cubed
    • 4 carrots cut into thick rounds
    • 2 stalks celery sliced
    • 2 cups (500ml) beef broth hot
    • ¼ cup (60ml) tomato puree or tomato passata
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
    • salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients into the Instant Pot insert and stir to combine.
    • Place the lid on and turn the valve to sealing position. Select the stew setting and cook until done.
    • Allow for a natural pressure release (about 10-15 minutes) before opening.
    • Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve.
    **EASY AIR FRYER RECIPE EBOOK**Get the easy Air Fryer Recipe Binder which includes 40 quick and easy recipes all under 30 minutes cook time.
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    Notes

    • Opt for tougher cuts like chuck roast, stew meat, or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure and are often less expensive.
    • To make the prep work for your instapot beef stew even more simple, you can buy pre-cubed beef stew meat, or just ask your butcher to cut it into cubes for you. Make sure it’s cut into bigger size pieces.
    • Make sure to cut the vegetables in bigger chunks so they don’t fall apart.
    • Browning the Instant Pot stew meat first adds a nice depth of flavor
    • For the best results and great meat texture, you want to naturally release the pressure for the time stated.
    • Choose a high-quality beef or vegetable broth to enhance the stew’s flavor. Homemade broth is great if you have it.
    • Do make sure to deglaze the pot after browning the meat to avoid having the burn notice. Use soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or red wine for an even more flavorful beef stew.
    • Use a wooden spoon to deglaze. This prevents scratching the inner pot.
    • Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up all the flavorful gravy.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.
    • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Use the “Sauté” function to thicken the broth.
    • There are 10 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving of this.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 396mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5270IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg

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