Instant Pot Beef Stew is the kind of rich, cozy comfort food that makes a low-carb dinner feel hearty, savory, and deeply satisfying. Tender chunks of beef chuck are cooked with bone broth, herbs, collagen, coconut aminos, and vegetables for a warm stew that tastes like it simmered all day.
What makes this recipe special? It keeps the classic comfort of beef stew while staying keto and low-carb. Instead of potatoes, this version uses green beans, mushrooms, yellow squash, celery, and red bell pepper for texture, color, and flavor.
This stew is perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, family dinners, or anytime you want a bowl of tender beef and vegetables in a savory sauce. Serve it with cauliflower mash and a glass of red wine for a cozy low-carb meal.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew
Why are beef stews always so comforting? Because they bring together tender meat, savory broth, herbs, and vegetables in one warm, filling bowl.
This Instant Pot Beef Stew uses beef chuck roast, which becomes tender and flavorful under pressure. The rosemary, oregano, and thyme add classic stew flavor, while bone broth gives the sauce richness and depth.
I love how the vegetables are added after the beef cooks. That way, the meat gets plenty of time to become tender without turning the vegetables mushy.
The secret tip? Sear the beef first. Browning the meat adds deeper flavor and gives the stew a more homemade, slow-simmered taste.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Time and Servings
Prep Time
About 20 minutes
Cook Time
About 55 minutes
Natural Release Time
10 to 15 minutes
Total Time
About 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Size
8 servings
What Ingredients Are in Instant Pot Beef Stew?
This keto beef stew uses tender beef, low-carb vegetables, savory broth, herbs, and a few flavor boosters to create a rich, comforting meal.
You’ll need:
One 3-pound chuck roast, chopped into 1-inch chunks
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons rosemary
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons thyme
1 tablespoon ghee or avocado oil
One 32-ounce container bone broth
1 scoop Perfect Keto Unflavored Collagen
1 tablespoon keto-friendly tomato paste, optional
1 tablespoon keto-friendly Worcestershire sauce, optional
½ tablespoon coconut aminos
¼ small yellow onion, chopped
2 cups green beans
1 cup mushrooms
1 small yellow squash, chopped into 1-inch cubes
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
Ingredient Notes
Chuck roast is ideal for stew because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure.
Sea salt helps season the beef and brings out the flavor of the broth.
Black pepper adds a warm savory bite.
Rosemary gives the stew a classic herb flavor that pairs beautifully with beef.
Oregano adds earthy flavor and depth.
Thyme brings a warm, slightly woodsy flavor that makes the stew taste cozy.
Ghee or avocado oil helps sear the meat and adds richness.
Bone broth creates the savory base of the stew and adds deep flavor.
Unflavored collagen blends into the broth without changing the flavor.
Keto-friendly tomato paste is optional, but it adds richness and a little tomato depth.
Keto-friendly Worcestershire sauce is optional, but it adds savory flavor and complexity.
Coconut aminos add mild sweetness and umami.
Yellow onion adds flavor without using too much.
Green beans bring color, texture, and a low-carb vegetable element.
Mushrooms add earthy flavor and make the stew feel heartier.
Yellow squash replaces higher-carb vegetables and adds tenderness.
Celery adds freshness and classic stew flavor.
Red bell pepper adds color and mild sweetness.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew
This recipe starts with seasoned beef, then builds flavor in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking everything until tender.
Season the Beef
Season the chuck roast chunks with sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, oregano, and thyme.
Toss well so the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Sear the Meat
Set the Instant Pot to sauté.
Add the ghee or avocado oil.
Add the seasoned beef and sear until browned on the outside.
Work in batches if needed so the meat browns instead of steaming.
Add the Broth and Flavor Boosters
Turn the Instant Pot off.
Add the bone broth, unflavored collagen, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and coconut aminos.
Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Those browned bits add great flavor to the stew.
Pressure Cook the Beef
Add the lid and lock it in place.
Turn the pressure release valve to seal.
Press the meat button and make sure the time is set to 45 minutes.
When the cooking time is finished, do a quick release.
Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, green beans, mushrooms, yellow squash, celery, and red bell pepper.
Make sure the vegetables are covered with liquid.
Pressure Cook Again
Place the lid back on the Instant Pot.
Make sure the valve is switched to seal.
Cook for 10 more minutes.
Natural Release
Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 to 15 minutes.
This helps the stew settle and keeps the beef tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls.
Serve warm with cauliflower mash or your favorite low-carb side.
Why Use Chuck Roast for Beef Stew?
Chuck roast is one of the best cuts for beef stew because it becomes tender when cooked with moisture and pressure.
It has enough fat and connective tissue to create rich flavor and a satisfying texture. When cooked in the Instant Pot, it turns into tender beef chunks without needing hours on the stove.
That makes it perfect for a quick but comforting stew.
Why Add Vegetables After the Beef Cooks?
The beef needs more cooking time than the vegetables.
If the green beans, mushrooms, squash, celery, and bell pepper cooked for the full 45 minutes, they could become too soft. Adding them after the beef cooks keeps them tender but still recognizable.
This gives the stew better texture and fresher flavor.
Is This Beef Stew Keto-Friendly?
Yes, this beef stew is designed to be keto and low-carb.
Traditional beef stew often includes potatoes, carrots, or flour-based thickeners. This version uses low-carb vegetables, bone broth, herbs, and collagen instead.
For the most keto-friendly version, make sure the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce are keto-friendly and do not contain added sugar.
Can You Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Ahead of Time?
Yes, this stew is great for making ahead.
The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially delicious. You can cook the stew, cool it, and store it for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
It is also a great meal-prep option because it reheats well and stays filling.
How to Store Instant Pot Beef Stew
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Let the stew cool before storing, then refrigerate until ready to reheat.
Can You Freeze Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Yes, this beef stew can be frozen.
Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The vegetables may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How to Reheat Instant Pot Beef Stew
Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
If the stew thickens after storing, add a splash of bone broth or water before reheating.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Beef Stew is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs well with low-carb sides.
Serve it with cauliflower mash, roasted cauliflower, green salad, sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, zucchini noodles, keto biscuits, or steamed green beans.
For a cozy dinner, spoon the stew over cauliflower mash so the savory broth soaks into every bite.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about beef stew is how easy it is to adjust.
Use Avocado Oil
Avocado oil can be used instead of ghee for searing the beef.
Add More Mushrooms
Extra mushrooms make the stew even more earthy and hearty.
Add Turnips or Radishes
Turnips or radishes can be used as low-carb substitutes for potatoes.
Make It Spicier
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeño.
Add More Herbs
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be added for a brighter herb flavor.
Make It Thicker
Let the stew simmer on sauté mode after cooking to reduce the liquid slightly.
Add Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets can be added with the other vegetables for extra bulk.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Serving Size: 8 servings
Calories: 272.7
Fat: 9.4g
Carbohydrates: 4.5g
Net Carbs: 2.6g
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Beef Stew is tender, savory, comforting, and perfect for keto or low-carb meals. With chuck roast, bone broth, herbs, collagen, coconut aminos, green beans, mushrooms, squash, celery, and red bell pepper, this stew delivers classic comfort without the high-carb ingredients.
Serve it with cauliflower mash, make it ahead for meal prep, or enjoy it on a cozy night when you want a warm bowl of low-carb comfort food.
