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Well, I’m so excited to share with you this easy Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. The instant pot can get the job done. This beef stew pressure cooker recipe comes together in no time.

A spoonful of Instant Pot beef stew, brimming with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots, is being lifted from a bowl. In the background, a plate holds a stack of round crackers.
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So, if you’re like me and waited until the last minute for dinner, give this recipe a try! This easy pressure cooker beef stew recipe is hearty and full of tender beef, potatoes and vegetables. It tastes like it has been cooking all day, but it actually is ready in  minutes!

These is one of my absolute favorite easy recipes made in the instant pot. If you love making stew as much as I do try these recipes Irish Beef Stew Recipe, Crock Pot Mexican Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Steak and Potatoes Beef Stew Recipe, Ground Beef Stew, Sweet Potato Stew, Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe and Hungarian Goulash.

Why We Love This Recipe 

My instant pot has been a game changer for my family.  I can get the same tenderness from a crock pot but without having to cook it all day.  Didn’t take the meat out of the freezer? No worries! I have used thawed out meat and frozen meat in the instant pot and they both cook super fast.

Now, if you still don’t have an instant pot, I have a Quick & Easy Crock pot Beef Stew Recipe you will love. It turns out just as delicious and the meat is so tender. This beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food and has a ton of flavor.

Ingredients

An array of ingredients artfully spread across a light surface includes diced potatoes, diced beef, chopped carrots, diced onions, seasonings, a measuring cup of water, soy sauce, bay leaves, and crushed tomatoes—perfect for creating a savory Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe.
  • Stew Meat – You can use any cut of meat
  • Carrots – Diced into bite-sized pieces
  • Russet Potatoes – Use potato of your choice
  • Onion – If you are out, Best Onion Substitute
  • Crushed Tomatoes – We also like to add in tomato paste for thicker tomato base
  • Worcestershire Sauce – See The Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes if you are out
  • Water – You can use low-sodium beef broth or add a beef bouillon cube

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Additions and Variations

We love making beef stew as your can easily change the ingredients or add in fresh herbs to what you prefer. Try these other variations.

  • Garlic Cloves
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Garlic Powder
  • Celery
  • Slice Mushrooms
  • Onion Powder
  • Red Wine – Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet are great options

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

An overhead view of an instant pot reveals uncooked beef chunks and potato pieces, hinting at a delicious Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, all set against a light gray background.

Step 1 – First in an Instant pot or electric pressure cooker toss the stew meat and the chunks of potatoes on the bottom.

An Instant Pot beef stew recipe featuring chopped carrots, potatoes, onions, and hearty chunks of meat is ready for cooking against a light gray background.

Step 2 – Then place the onions and carrots on top of the beef and potatoes.

Top view of an open black pressure cooker filled with a colorful mix of chopped vegetables including potatoes, carrots, and onions, topped with tomatoes, spices, and a bay leaf—perfect for an Instant Pot beef stew recipe on a sleek light gray countertop.

Step 4 – Once all the ingredients have been added to the pressure cooker, place the lid on the instant pot and turn the valve on the top to the sealing position. Set the time for 20 minutes on high pressure. Note: If your meat is frozen, then cook it on high pressure for 25 minutes.

A top view of an Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe features tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots. Fresh parsley and carrots sit nearby, while a plate with crackers and two spoons rests on a checkered cloth beside the pot.

Step 5 – Allow the meal to cook in the instant and once finished, do a quick release by manually move the lid value from the sealing position to the venting position.

  • Step 6 – I recommend a quick release on this recipe so that the potatoes and the vegetables don’t become too soft.  If you use a natural release instead, the carrots and potatoes will likely be too soft after the cook time.
  • Step 7 – Finally remove the bay leaf and then allow the meal to sit for a a few minutes so that the sauce thickens. Stir then serve immediately in a bowl while it’s still warm.
  • Step 8 – With the cooking time and the time for the instant pot to come to pressure, this delicious beef stew is ready under 35 minutes!

Recipe Tips

  • Instant Pot Recommendation – Amazon has several instant pots here and I absolutely love mine. I have the larger one and it’s perfect! You can also check out the electric pressure cookers too.
  • Cutting Vegetables – Make sure that you dice the carrots and the potatoes into large pieces and place in a large bowl. If they’re diced too small, they will cook too quickly in the instant pot.
  • Stew Consistency – After the cook time, if the beef stew is too watery, switch the instant pot the sauté setting and allow for the excess liquid to cook off until the stew is the consistency that you prefer. You can even make a cornstarch slurry by combining 2 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water for a thicker consistency.
A ladle filled with Instant Pot beef stew, featuring chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and herbs, is held above a pot of soup. The rich reddish-brown broth is visible. In the background, a blurred kitchen utensil holder adds to the cozy cooking scene.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this pressure cooker beef stew recipe with my easy homemade corn bread recipe.  This recipe is easy to make and perfect with this beef stew recipe.

Plus here are some of my other favorite corn bread recipes:

If cornbread is not your thing, you can also serve these with delicious homemade rolls or this easy, delicious crusty bread recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Meat to Use for Beef Stew?

Generally I use beef stew meat for this recipe as it’s usually the most cost effective. However, you can use a beef chuck roast or rump roast and cut it into 1 inch pieces before placing it in the pressure cooker.

What is the Type of Potatoes for Beef Stew?

We normally use Russet Potatoes, but you can other types of potatoes. Yukon Gold Potatoes is another great option. I have also used sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes in this recipe and it’s delicious.

Do I Need to Brown Stew Meat?

I usually don’t brown my stew meat for this beef stew recipe because I’m pretty lazy in the kitchen.  However, you can brown the stew meat on the sauté setting with 2 tsp of olive oil if you prefer.  Then scrap off the brown bits, add the other ingredients and switch the instant pot to the pressure cooker setting.

How to Store Leftovers Stew

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The leftovers will last about 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop depending on how much you have leftover.

Can I Freeze Beef Stew?

Yes, you can freeze beef stew by placing in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Two bowls of beef stew, part of our Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, are filled with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, garnished with parsley on a wooden board. A cloth napkin and spoon sit beside them, while an Instant Pot, raw carrots, and greens linger in the background.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Two gray bowls brimming with Instant Pot beef stew, featuring chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes, garnished with herbs. The bowls rest on a wooden tray alongside crackers and a spoon, with the trusty pressure cooker visible in the background.

Instant Pot Beef Stew

4.92 from 62 votes
Try this hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe. It’s so easy and fast in your instant pot! Make this Beef Stew Pressure Cooker Recipe today!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Instant Pot, Soup
Calories 338

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In an Instant pot or electric pressure cooker place the stew meat and the potatoes on the bottom.
  • Place the onions and carrots on top.
  • Pour the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and the water on top. Season with the salt and pepper.
  • Cover and set the valve on the lid to the sealing position. Set the time for 20 minutes on high pressure.
  • Once finished, do a quick release by moving the valve on the lid from the sealing position to the venting position.
  • Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Serving 8g, Calories 338kcal, Carbohydrates 23g, Protein 41g, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 105mg, Sodium 351mg, Potassium 1187mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 5g, Vitamin A 4223IU, Vitamin C 14mg, Calcium 85mg, Iron 5mg

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About the Author

Hi, Iโ€™m Carrie Barnard โ€” a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families โ€” without the stress.

4.92 from 62 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. George says:

    5 stars
    Fast and so easy , fam loves it

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