Instant Pot Beef Stew (Print Version)

A comforting mix of tender beef and root vegetables prepared quickly in the Instant Pot.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 1½-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
05 - 1 large onion, chopped
06 - 2 stalks celery, sliced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

08 - 3 cups low sodium beef broth
09 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

→ Seasonings

10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
12 - 2 tsp salt, or to taste
13 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
16 - 2 bay leaves

→ Thickeners

17 - 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for slurry)
18 - 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for slurry)

→ Optional Garnishes

19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add vegetable oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
02 - Add onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
04 - Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, parsnips, potatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
05 - Stir well, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
06 - Lock the Instant Pot lid and set valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook at high pressure for 35 minutes.
07 - Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
08 - For a thicker texture, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Set Instant Pot to Sauté, stir in slurry, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
09 - Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning to taste.
10 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy preparation in the Instant Pot
  • Nutritious, satisfying one-pot meal for the whole family
02 -
  • This stew contains no dairy or gluten, but check labels if using store-bought broth or tomato paste.
  • The recipe yields about 6 hearty servings and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
03 -
  • Cut beef and veggies into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
  • To add flavor depth, brown the meat thoroughly and always deglaze the pot before pressure cooking.
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