When it comes to crafting the perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew, having the right combination of flavors and techniques is essential. This hearty, rich, and flavorful dish is a go-to for cozy evenings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving comfort food. The Instant Pot allows us to drastically reduce cooking time without compromising the tenderness of the beef or the richness of the broth.
Why Choose an Instant Pot for Beef Stew?
The Instant Pot offers a game-changing approach to cooking, blending the speed of pressure cooking with the depth of flavor that traditional slow cooking can provide. The sealed environment traps flavors, intensifies the broth, and tenderizes the beef in less time than traditional methods. No more waiting hours for the perfect stew—our method will have your Instant Pot Beef Stew ready in just over 30 minutes of cook time.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Beef Stew
Beef Selection
To achieve the best results, we recommend using 1 kg of stewing beef, which is marbled with fat. This cut of beef, when cooked under pressure, becomes tender and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the stew’s rich broth.
Seasoning
Season the beef generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Proper seasoning early on is crucial for building layers of flavor.
Vegetable Base
A well-balanced stew needs a solid foundation. We use 1 onion, chopped, which adds sweetness and depth, and 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic for a fragrant base.
Tomato Paste and White Sugar
Adding 1 tablespoon of tomato paste gives the stew a subtle tang and richness, while the 1 tablespoon of white sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes and other ingredients.
Liquid for Flavor and Tenderness
The liquid is where much of the flavor resides. ½ cup of beef stock ensures a meaty richness, while ½ cup of red wine (optional) adds depth and complexity. Red wine helps tenderize the beef further and gives the stew a sophisticated, rich flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with additional beef stock.
Enhancers: Worcestershire Sauce and Fresh Thyme
For an umami boost, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is essential. Fresh thyme sprigs (about 1 tablespoon) complement the other flavors and infuse the stew with herbaceous notes. Thyme pairs perfectly with beef and enhances the aroma of the stew.
Vegetables: Carrots and Potatoes
To make the stew hearty and filling, we add 3 carrots, quartered, and 12 baby potatoes. These vegetables absorb the flavors from the stew while remaining tender yet firm.
Thickening the Stew
After pressure cooking, thicken the stew with a simple slurry of 1 tablespoon of Maizena (cornstarch) mixed with water. This gives the stew the perfect consistency without making it too thick or runny.
Finishing Touch: Garden Peas
Finally, to add a pop of color and sweetness, we incorporate ½ can of garden peas at the end. Peas give a fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the beef and broth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Beef Stew
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by tossing your 1 kg of stewing beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper in a bowl. This initial seasoning ensures the beef absorbs plenty of flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Searing the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once heated, sear the beef in batches, ensuring each piece is browned on all sides. Browning the beef creates a rich, caramelized flavor base that will enhance the stew. Once all the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Onions and Garlic
With the beef removed, add 1 chopped onion and 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the aromatic base of the stew.
Step 4: Adding Tomato Paste and Sugar
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of white sugar. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken slightly and develop a richer flavor. The sugar balances the acidity and creates a subtle sweetness in the stew.
Step 5: Deglazing with Red Wine
Pour ½ cup of red wine (optional) into the pot and bring it to a boil. As it boils, use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, known as deglazing, ensures that all the flavorful bits from the beef and onions are incorporated into the stew. Let the wine simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
Step 6: Adding Liquids and Vegetables
Next, add ½ cup of beef stock, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme to the Instant Pot. Return the browned beef to the pot along with 3 quartered carrots and 12 baby potatoes. Stir everything to combine.
Step 7: Pressure Cooking
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to High Pressure for 25 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Thickening the Stew
Once the pressure is released, set the Instant Pot back to Sauté. In a small cup, mix 1 tablespoon of Maizena with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew, along with ½ can of garden peas. Cook for about 5 more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Your Instant Pot Beef Stew is now ready to serve! The beef should be tender, and the broth rich and flavorful, with perfectly cooked vegetables. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Brown the beef: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef in batches locks in flavor and helps build a deep, complex broth.
- Deglaze thoroughly: After sautéing, deglaze the pot to capture all the caramelized bits stuck at the bottom. This adds a tremendous amount of flavor to your stew.
- Natural pressure release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure for 10 minutes ensures the beef remains tender and prevents the stew from becoming watery.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Always taste your stew after cooking and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, a little more salt or pepper can make all the difference.