Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew with Vegetables is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any meal. Tender beef chuck cubes are browned and then pressure cooked with a savory mix of carrots, potatoes, celery, and peas in a flavorful broth enriched with tomatoes and herbs. The stew is thickened optionally with cornstarch for a rich, satisfying texture. Ready in just over 45 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade stew without the long simmering time.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Thickening Agent (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef cubes to season evenly.
- Heat the Instant Pot: Select the Sauté mode on the Instant Pot, then add the vegetable oil allowing it to heat up for browning.
- Brown the beef: In batches, brown the beef cubes in the hot oil until nicely seared on all sides, then remove each batch to a plate to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and cook on Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add ingredients to cook: Return all browned beef to the pot, then add chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, celery, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes to tenderize the beef and meld flavors.
- Release pressure: When the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas to warm through.
- Thicken stew (optional): If the stew is thinner than desired, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir this slurry into the stew. Use the Sauté function to simmer until thickened to your liking.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and add additional salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches rather than overcrowding the pot.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Frozen peas are added at the end to maintain their texture and color.
- Cornstarch slurry is optional and used only if you prefer a thicker stew.
- This recipe can be doubled if you have a larger Instant Pot.
- Adjust vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.