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Instant Pot Beef Stew

A hearty and comforting beef stew made in the Instant Pot, featuring tender meat, soft vegetables, and a rich broth, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes Shoulder or stew meat can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (like sunflower or canola)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons soy-free seasoning sauce or a clean, natural flavoring alternative
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds potatoes, cut into chunks Can substitute for turnips or sweet potatoes.
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Method
 

Cooking Process
  1. Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to Sauté. Once hot, add the oil. Working in batches, brown the beef pieces on all sides. Avoid crowding the pot. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl.
  2. Add the chopped onions and a bit more oil if needed. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well.
  3. Pour in a bit of the broth and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This step prevents burn warnings and adds rich flavor.
  4. Return the beef to the pot. Add the rest of the broth, soy-free sauce, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes on top but don’t stir them in fully.
  5. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
  6. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the peas. If you'd like a thicker stew, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the stew. Turn on Sauté and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

This stew holds up well in the fridge or freezer for later use. Always let it cool completely before storing. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.