Instant Pot Beef Stew with Mushroom Soup

Nothing says comfort like a hearty beef stew. When combined with the convenience of an Instant Pot and the creamy richness of mushroom soup, it becomes a meal that’s both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying.

This is truly the best beef stew, offering a quick and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food with rich, deep flavors developed in a fraction of the time.

I sure hope this sounds good to you because it turned out amazing. Our Instant Pot Beef with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe was an Instant Pot test recipe from the other evening.

I love cream of mushroom soup, which was the inspiration behind this recipe. Last week we made a Mushroom Soup With Crab that turned out so good it hung around in the back of my mind wanting more.

This recipe guide will take you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew with Mushroom Soup, including detailed steps, tips for the best results, and variations to suit your preferences.

Overview

Beef stew is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Making a pressure cooker beef stew in an Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time significantly, allowing you to enjoy tender, flavorful beef without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe incorporates cream of mushroom soup, adding a creamy texture and deep, savory flavor that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by making it faster, easier, and more consistent. Here are some of the key benefits of using an Instant Pot for this beef stew recipe:

• Speed: Cuts down the cooking time significantly compared to traditional methods.
• Convenience: One-pot cooking reduces cleanup time.
• Flavor: Pressure cooking enhances the flavors, making the stew rich and delicious.

Inspiration for the Beef Stew

Growing up, beef stew was a staple in my family, especially during the cold winter months. My grandmother’s version simmered slowly on the stovetop, was always a treat. However, as a busy adult, I often found myself short on time. Discovering the Instant Pot was a game-changer, allowing me to recreate that beloved dish in a fraction of the time.

This recipe is inspired by her classic stew, with a modern twist that includes the creamy depth of mushroom soup. I live in Austin, Texas, and we love our beef down here; plus, it's cold outside, which usually means soup or chili.

I have a fantastic Texas Chili Recipe you can try this season. You can make the chili in your instant pot; use the same settings in this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

To make this Instant Pot beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Beef Chuck Roast: The ideal cut for stews due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the stew.
• Beef Stock: Enhances the beef flavor and provides the liquid base for the stew.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich and flavorful broth for the beef stew.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing meat and vegetables and deglazing the pot.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and enhances the savory character of the stew.
• Tomato Sauce: Combined with other ingredients to prepare the stew.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the stew.
• Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and onions for a traditional stew mix.
• Seasonings and Spices: Garlic powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, smoked salt, black pepper, and oregano for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Optional Ingredients and Variations

• Red Wine: For added depth and richness.
• Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp flavor.
• Peas: For a pop of color and sweetness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Selecting the Right Cut

Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial. While a chuck roast is perfect due to its marbling, which breaks down during cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat, beef stew meat is also a viable option, especially when cooked in an Instant Pot to make it tender.

Seasoning and Marinating the Beef

Season the beef with garlic powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, smoked salt, black pepper, and oregano. Sear the beef in a hot pot until it develops a dark-brown crust to create browned beef. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

If you cannot find smoked salt, I suggest using smoked chipotles in adobo sauce. Mainly, you will want to use the adobo sauce, not so much the chipotles. Add 1 tablespoon and marinate the beef for 15 minutes; overnight is perfectly ok.

Step 2: Preparing the Instant Pot

Adding the Soup and Stock

Pour the cream of mushroom soup and beef stock into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine, creating a rich, flavorful base for the stew. Set the Instant Pot to 'pressure cook' the stew, ensuring the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

Combining Ingredients in the Pot

Add the seasoned beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and onions to the pot. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and coated with the soup and stock.

You can also substitute two cups of chopped russet potatoes or use a frozen mixed vegetable medley if preferred.

Step 3: Cooking Process

Setting the Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to the “Stew/Meat” setting or manually set it to high pressure for 35 minutes. This will cook the beef to perfect tenderness while allowing the flavors to meld together. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.

Cooking Times and Tips: While 35 minutes is typically sufficient if you prefer even more tender meat, you can extend the cooking time by an additional 10 minutes. Make sure the Instant Pot has come to pressure before starting the timer.

Step 4: Releasing Pressure

Natural vs. Quick Release Methods: How to Pressure Release Naturally

After cooking, you can either use the natural release method, which takes about 10-15 minutes, or the quick release method to rapidly release the pressure. For this stew, a natural release is recommended to retain moisture and tenderness in the beef.

Quick release removes all the pressure inside the Instant Pot within 2 to 10 minutes. It can take up to 10 minutes to release all of the pressure. The longer, quick release time is directly related to the amount of liquid inside the Instant Pot. More liquid, longer pressure release time. Process: Make sure the Instant Pot isn't underneath kitchen cabinets.

Once the pressure begins to release, steam will shoot out the exhaust valve. Using a tool like a knife, slide the sealing valve from "Sealing' to "Venting."

You can open the Instant Pot lid once the pressure pin on the top of the lid drops back into the lid. You now know how to perform an Instant Pot Quick Release safely.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Serving Over Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, or Alone

This beef stew can be served in various ways. Try it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or simply enjoy it on its own with some crusty bread.

Additional Garnishes and Sides

Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to complete the meal. For a convenient option, consider adding frozen peas to the stew.

Equipment

List of Required Tools

To make this Instant Pot beef stew, you will need the following tools:

• Instant Pot: For pressure cooking the stew.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing the beef and vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: For seasoning and marinating the beef.
• Stirring Utensils: To mix and combine the ingredients.

Tips for Best Results

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially tender beef. Fresh vegetables and a good cut of beef will make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your stew.

Adjusting Seasoning to Taste

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Taste the stew before serving and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to thin the stew.

Variations and Substitutions

Substituting Potatoes with Other Vegetables

If you’re looking to change things up or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes, turnips, or cauliflower.

Using Different Cuts of Beef

While chuck roast is recommended, you can also use other cuts like brisket or stewing beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using leaner cuts.

Making it Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that your cream of mushroom soup and beef stock are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute.

Recipes To Try With Instant Pot Beef

• Ice Box Dinner Rolls
• Bacon Popovers
• Mexican Cornbread
• Broccoli Crunch Salad

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