Healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew (or Slow Cooker)

I used to save beef stew for Sundays only, but the Instant Pot makes things so much easier and quicker!

This recipe sticks to the classics, like beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery, simmered in a savory broth with just the right amount of seasoning. And if you're all about batch cooking like I am, you'll be happy to know this stew freezes beautifully. Make a double batch, stash some away, and future you will be very, very grateful.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful tips to make your beef stew even better:

• Cut beef into even pieces: Aim for uniform chunks (about 1 inch) so everything cooks evenly and stays tender.
• Don't skip the sear: Browning the beef first adds so much rich, deep flavor. If you're short on time, it's optional, but worth it when you can.
• Deglaze the pot: Use your broth to scrape up all those browned bits after searing. That's pure flavor right there.
• Chop veggies larger: Potatoes and carrots hold up better in the pressure cooker if they're cut into bigger chunks (about 1½ inches).
• Let it naturally release: Giving the pressure time to release slowly helps keep the meat extra tender.

How to Make Healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew

Now you don't have to dread making beef stew with this easy Instant Pot recipe!

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks, and chop the vegetables into large pieces so they hold their shape during pressure cooking. Season the beef and toss it with a bit of flour for light browning and natural thickening.

2. Sear the Beef

Use the "Sauté" function on your Instant Pot to brown the beef in a little oil. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you're in a hurry.

3. Deglaze the Pot

After browning, add the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This prevents a burn warning and adds tons of flavor to your stew.

4. Add Everything Else

Stir in your spices, sauces, and veggies. Give it a good mix so everything is well coated and evenly distributed.

5. Pressure Cook

Seal the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and cook on high pressure. Once it's done, let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.

6. Adjust and Serve

Give everything a stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you'd like a thicker stew, you can use the "Sauté" function to reduce the liquid or stir in a thickener.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Prefer the slow cooker? No problem! Just add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Vegetables That Are Great in Beef Stew

If you're looking to bulk out your beef stew, or you just want to get some more vegetables in your diet. Here is a list of some (potentially unusual) vegetables that would work wonderfully in beef stew:

• Acorn Squash
• Butternut Squash
• Cauliflower
• Celeriac
• Collard Greens
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Parsnips
• Sweet Potatoes
• Swiss Chard
• Turnips

Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra pointers to make your Instant Pot beef stew even better (especially if you're cooking it often or want to level up the flavors):

• Use tomato paste for depth: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste while sautéing the beef for an extra layer of umami-rich flavor.
• Add herbs at the end for freshness: Stir in chopped parsley or fresh thyme after cooking for brightness and color.
• Don't overcrowd the beef when searing: Sear in batches if needed so the meat browns instead of steaming. This little step adds a big boost of flavor.
• Peel potatoes if meal prepping: If storing for later, peel the potatoes—unpeeled ones can sometimes get an odd texture after freezing.
• Shortcut the veggies: Use pre-chopped soup mixes or frozen mirepoix blends to save time on busy nights.
• Worried about mushy veggies? Try adding delicate vegetables (like peas or small diced zucchini) after pressure cooking, using the sauté function to cook them gently for a few minutes.

What to Pair with Beef Stew

You can easily eat beef stew completely on its own and feel satisfied, but if you're like me, then you like to have a choice of sides. So, knowing that, I've put together a list of foods that go wonderfully with this beef stew recipe:

• On the light side: Serve it with some Mashed Cauliflower for a light side dish that is delicious with beef stew. Mashed butternut squash is another delicious option.
• With roasted veggies: Serve the beef stew with some roasted vegetables as a light and healthy side dish.
• Keep it green: Lighten things up with a green salad on the side. Include crispy vegetables like Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots to add some texture and crunch to the meal.

Storage and Reheating

This stew is just as good (if not better) the next day, which makes it perfect for leftovers, freezer meals, or prepping ahead for a cozy, low-effort dinner later in the week.

• Store: Let stew cool completely. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or double-bagged zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Lay flat to freeze for easy stacking.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a pot on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pro tip: If you're freezing it, skip adding tender greens or herbs until after reheating for the best texture.