When I first pulled out my Instant Pot, I wasn’t sure if beef stew would ever taste as rich as the one simmering on grandma’s stove all afternoon. Turns out, it does—and faster than I could set the table. This recipe is my go-to when the weather turns chilly or when life gets busy but I still crave that hearty, soul-hugging comfort food. The beauty of instant pot recipes is how much flavor you get without babysitting a pot all day. This stew packs tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and a broth that feels like it’s been cooking for hours. Honestly, it’s the best instant pot recipe I’ve made when I need something filling but still simple. My family calls it the weeknight hero—quick enough for dinner yet cozy enough for Sunday supper. If you’ve been scrolling through Instant Pot Dinner Ideas, this one deserves a spot at the top. It’s hearty, forgiving, and about as foolproof as cooking gets. Instant Pot recipes easy like this remind me why I keep that bulky pot on my counter instead of hiding it in the pantry. Give it a try—you might just end up adding it to your list of instant pot dinner recipes to repeat every week.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew
4) How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew
5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Beef Stew
6) Making Instant Pot Beef Stew Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Instant Pot Beef Stew
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This Instant Pot beef stew is hearty, filling, and perfect for dinner.
The recipe combines beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich broth.
Prep time is short, making it ideal for busy evenings.
It stores well, and flavors improve overnight.

2) Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

I love when dinner feels both simple and rewarding. Instant Pot recipes like this beef stew strike the balance between ease and comfort. You load up the pot, set the timer, and suddenly the kitchen smells like someone spent hours working over the stove. Truth is, you barely broke a sweat. That’s the kind of win I’ll take any day.

This recipe has beef that melts in your mouth, potatoes that hold their shape yet soak up flavor, and carrots that taste sweet against the savory broth. You don’t need culinary school training to pull it off. Trust me, I’ve served this stew on weeknights when time ran short and on weekends when I had company. Both times it was a hit. That’s the power of Instant Pot dinner ideas like this one.

And if you’ve been searching for the best Instant Pot recipe that actually delivers on its promise, you’ve landed in the right place. No shortcuts that leave you disappointed. Just a solid, satisfying meal that feels worth repeating. Instant Pot recipes easy like this prove that home cooking doesn’t have to feel complicated.

3) Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef Stew Meat Use beef cut into cubes. It becomes tender under pressure and soaks up the broth beautifully.

Onion A diced onion adds depth and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the savory flavors.

Garlic Fresh minced garlic gives the stew a warm and aromatic kick without overpowering the other ingredients.

Beef Broth This creates the base of the stew, giving the dish body and rich flavor.

Red Wine Optional, but it adds a layer of depth. You can substitute with more broth if you prefer.

Carrots Sweet carrots balance the hearty beef and bring color to the dish.

Potatoes They soften just right in the Instant Pot and soak up the broth while holding shape.

Celery It lends freshness and a bit of crunch, balancing the heavier textures.

Tomato Paste A spoon or two adds richness and helps thicken the stew naturally.

Thyme and Rosemary These dried herbs carry the classic stew aroma and taste.

Bay Leaves A subtle background flavor that makes the broth taste complete.

Cornstarch Slurry This thickens the stew to a comforting, spoon-coating texture.

Salt and Black Pepper Season to taste, letting each bowl shine.

Fresh Parsley A garnish that brightens the stew both visually and in flavor.

4) How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1 Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and drizzle in olive oil. Brown the beef in small batches. Don’t rush this part, the browning builds flavor.

Step 2 Add onion and garlic. Stir until softened and fragrant. This base sets the tone for the stew.

Step 3 Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Let them cook for a minute to deepen their taste.

Step 4 Pour in beef broth and wine if you’re using it. Scrape the pot bottom to release the browned bits. That’s pure flavor right there.

Step 5 Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to sealing.

Step 6 Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, allow 10 minutes of natural release before switching to quick release.

Step 7 Switch back to sauté mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it bubble until the stew thickens.

Step 8 Season with salt and pepper, remove the bay leaves, and garnish with parsley before serving.

5) Tips for Making Instant Pot Beef Stew

I’ve learned that browning the beef is worth the extra few minutes. That caramelization brings flavor you can’t fake later. Don’t skip it, even if you’re tired. You’ll thank yourself with every bite.

If you like a thicker stew, add a little extra cornstarch slurry. Just be patient as it simmers and thickens. And keep tasting as you go. Salt and pepper aren’t just finishing touches, they’re what tie all the flavors together.

Finally, pair the stew with crusty bread. It’s not required, but trust me, mopping up the last bit of broth with a warm slice feels like the best part of the meal. Instant Pot recipes beef like this really shine when served with something simple on the side.

6) Making Instant Pot Beef Stew Ahead of Time

I often make this stew a day in advance, especially when I expect a busy evening. It reheats well and, truthfully, the flavors feel richer after resting overnight. The broth thickens slightly, and the beef tastes even more tender.

If you go this route, let the stew cool before storing it. Then refrigerate in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Stir gently and let it come back to life on the stove or even in the microwave.

It’s one of those instant pot dinner recipes that practically beg to be made ahead. The convenience doesn’t hurt either.

7) Storing Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew

Leftovers keep for up to four days in the fridge. Store them in airtight containers so the flavor stays locked in. When ready to eat again, warm the stew slowly. Add a splash of broth if it feels too thick.

If you prefer freezing, portion it into freezer-safe containers once cooled. It can last up to three months that way. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You’ll be glad you tucked some away when a busy night rolls around.

Meals like this prove why I love Instant Pot recipes easy enough for weeknights but sturdy enough for storing and reheating later.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Instant Pot Beef Stew