Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery for Cozy Nights

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty beef stew simmered to perfection—and the Instant Pot makes it a game changer for busy home cooks like us. When I first tossed tender chunks of beef, crisp celery, and sweet peas into the pot, I was amazed at how quickly the flavors melded into a rich, savory masterpiece. This Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery isn’t just about convenience; it’s about capturing that slow-cooked goodness without hours on the stove. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner after a long day or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers warmth, depth, and a touch of freshness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and transform simple ingredients into something truly special—no fast food needed!

Why choose Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery?

Speed meets comfort: This recipe transforms traditional slow-cooked stew into a dinner ready in under an hour. Rich, hearty flavor: Tender beef and fresh peas and celery create a savory, satisfying taste. Effortlessly versatile: Perfect as a family meal or for entertaining guests. One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup means more time to enjoy your cozy night in.

Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery Ingredients

For the Beef Stew

Beef chuck – Choose well-marbled beef for tender, juicy results in your Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery.
Celery stalks – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast that brightens the stew’s rich flavors.
Frozen peas – Sweet and vibrant, they’re a perfect last-minute addition that keeps their pop of color and texture.
Yellow onion – Provides sweetness and depth; sauté it first to unlock richer stew flavor.
Garlic cloves – Minced for a subtle aromatic punch that complements the beef perfectly.
Carrots – Add natural sweetness and a tender bite that balances the savory broth.
Beef broth – Choose a good-quality broth or homemade for a deeply flavorful base.
Tomato paste – Intensifies the stew’s body and adds a gentle tang.

For Seasoning & Garnish

Bay leaves – Infuse the stew with a woody, herbal essence that’s classic and comforting.
Thyme (fresh or dried) – A subtle, earthy herb that pairs beautifully with beef and veggies.
Salt and black pepper – Season thoughtfully to highlight all the ingredients’ natural goodness.
Parsley (fresh) – A bright, fresh sprinkle at the end brings life and color to the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in Instant Pot on sauté setting, then add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Brown Beef: Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown in batches on sauté setting until each side is well-seared, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer beef to a plate.
Deglaze: Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to deepen flavor. Pour in beef broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Add Veggies: Nestle beef back into the pot with chopped carrots, celery, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Pressure Cook: Seal the lid, set to high pressure for 35 minutes to let flavors meld in your Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery.
Natural Release: Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam. Carefully remove bay leaves before thickening.
Thicken Stew: Prepare a slurry by whisking flour or cornstarch with cold water. Stir into the stew on sauté mode, simmering until it’s thick and glossy.
Finish & Garnish: Stir in frozen peas and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Optional: Drizzle with chili oil for a spicy kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

This Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables (onions, carrots, and celery) up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator to save time on busy weeknights. The beef can also be seasoned and browned up to 24 hours ahead—just be sure to keep it refrigerated as this helps maintain its texture and flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the prepped ingredients back into the Instant Pot with the broth, deglaze, and follow the remaining cooking steps. This way, you’ll enjoy a restaurant-quality stew with minimal effort, creating a cozy dining experience for the whole family!

What to Serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery?

A cozy bowl of stew deserves sides that enhance its rich flavors and comforting warmth.

Crusty Bread: The perfect companion to soak up every drop of your savory stew, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Enjoy with a pat of butter for an extra touch of indulgence.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes provide a silky texture that balances the heartiness of the beef stew. Adding roasted garlic infuses every spoonful with irresistible flavor.
Simple Green Salad: Crisp greens tossed with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness. The zing of fresh citrus in the dressing elevates the meal beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies—think carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes—roasted until caramelized introduces sweetness and enhances the dish’s comfort factor.
Savory Biscuits: Fluffy, golden-brown biscuits are not just for breakfast; they are ideal for mopping up stew. Try them warm with a drizzle of honey for a twist!
Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine complements the beef’s depth and adds an elegantly cozy touch to your dinner table. The tannins in the wine beautifully highlight the savory notes of the stew.
Apple Crisp: To finish the meal on a sweet note, serve warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold and warm creates a perfect ending to your cozy night.

Storage Tips for Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery

Room Temperature: Leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery should not be left out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and quality.

Fridge: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of beef broth to the stew if it’s thickened during storage. Warm it on low heat, stirring occasionally for even heating and to revive the flavors.

Variations & Substitutions for Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this beef stew to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Vegetarian Delight: Substitute beef with hearty mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based twist without losing texture or flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to boost the heat for those who crave a little extra spice in their stew.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a fragrant twist that adds warmth and depth to your stew.
Root Vegetable Medley: Swap or add your favorite root vegetables, such as parsnips or sweet potatoes, for a delightful sweetness and earthy depth that complements the dish.
Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after cooking to create a luxuriously creamy beef stew that indulgently warms from the inside out.
Beer Braise: Replace half of the beef broth with a robust beer like stout for a rich, hearty flavor that deepens the stew’s complexity and adds a malty note.
Citrus Brightness: Zest in a bit of lemon or orange peel just before serving to add a fresh, zesty finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Keto-Friendly: Use cauliflower instead of carrots for a lower-carb option that still provides a satisfying base without sacrificing flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these variations, making the stew uniquely your own while still keeping that incredible heartiness that we all love!

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery

Brown the Beef Well: Take time to brown beef cubes in batches; this step locks in rich flavor essential for a hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley brighten the stew more than dried alternatives—add them at the right time to maximize aroma without losing freshness.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: Scraping browned bits off the pot before pressure cooking builds depth and prevents the burn warning on your Instant Pot.
Add Peas Last: Stir peas in after pressure cooking to keep their sweet pop and vibrant color intact—overcooked peas turn mushy and dull.
Natural Release Matters: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and beef to finish tenderizing perfectly.

Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best beef for Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery?
Look for well-marbled beef chuck—it should have visible streaks of fat for tenderness and rich flavor after pressure cooking. Avoid lean cuts, as they can turn tough and dry in the stew.

What’s the best way to store leftover beef stew?
Once cooled, place your stew in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your friend! This keeps the flavors fresh and the beef tender.

Can I freeze Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery, and how?
Absolutely! Let the stew cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Why did my beef stew turn out mushy or watery sometimes?
If your veggies or peas are overcooked, they can break down and cause a mushy texture. Also, adding peas before pressure cooking makes them lose their sweet pop. Always add peas at the very end, after cooking, and thicken the stew to your preferred consistency during the last simmer.

Is the Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery safe for pets?
While the ingredients are wholesome for humans, avoid sharing beef stew with pets. Onions, garlic, and seasonings like bay leaves can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s best to keep this cozy meal just for your family’s dinner table!