Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe – Serrano & Chipotle Flavors

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe – Serrano & Chipotle Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a cozy, flavorful stew is the ultimate comfort food. And let me tell you, this Instant Pot Beef Stew is it. It’s packed with warm spices, a little kick from a Serrano pepper, and a smoky depth from chipotle powder. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. I first made this on a particularly chilly evening, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s so easy to throw together, and the Instant Pot does all the hard work for you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot beef stew isn’t just delicious; it’s practical too! It comes together in under an hour, most of which is hands-off pressure cooking time. The combination of Serrano and chipotle gives it a unique, slightly spicy flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping – leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing stew:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 Serrano pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup beef broth (about 240ml)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (about 120ml)
• 1 tablespoon potato starch (optional, for thickening)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the most out of them:

Avocado Oil: I love using avocado oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor. But if you don’t have it, olive oil or even vegetable oil will work just fine.

Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is the classic choice for beef stew. Look for pieces that are well-marbled with fat – this will result in a more tender and flavorful stew. You can also use pre-cut stew meat to save time.

Serrano Pepper: These little peppers pack a punch! If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping. You could also substitute with a jalapeño for a milder flavor.

Chipotle Powder: This is where the smoky magic happens. Chipotle powder is made from smoked and dried jalapeños. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the stew.

Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! I love the combination of cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano, but you can experiment with other spices like coriander or smoked paprika. A little goes a long way, so start with the amounts listed and add more to taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get this stew going!

1. Sear the Beef: Turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the avocado oil and then the beef stew meat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides – this adds a ton of flavor! Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.
2. Sauté Aromatics & Spices: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and Serrano pepper to the Instant Pot. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion is softened. Then, add the bay leaf, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and oregano. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This blooms the spices and really wakes up the flavors.
3. Combine & Pressure Cook: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine everything. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where all the good stuff is!
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
5. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush it!
6. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the potato starch with a couple of tablespoons of the stew liquid to form a slurry. Return the slurry to the pot and sauté on low for a few minutes until thickened.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the searing step! It really does make a difference in the flavor of the stew.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the spices to your liking.
• Natural pressure release is key. It helps the beef become more tender.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation (Using Mushrooms or Jackfruit): Swap the beef for 1 pound of cremini or portobello mushrooms, or 1 pound of young green jackfruit. Adjust cooking time to 25 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation (Naturally Gluten-Free): This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your beef broth and tomato sauce are also gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Extra Spicy): Remove the seeds from the Serrano pepper for a milder stew. Add an extra pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a whole chopped habanero for a serious kick!
• Festival Adaptation (Diwali/Holi – Serve with Indian Bread): Serve this stew with warm naan or roti for a unique and comforting twist, perfect for a festive gathering.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas for complete meals:

• With warm tortillas for dipping
• Topped with sliced avocado
• Served over cauliflower rice or regular rice
• Alongside a simple green salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This stew also freezes beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Instant Pot stew?

Chuck roast is the best! It has plenty of marbling, which keeps the stew tender and flavorful.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the stew up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop even more overnight.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this stew?

Remove the seeds from the Serrano pepper, or use a jalapeño instead. You can also adjust the amount of chipotle powder.

What can I serve with this Instant Pot beef stew for a complete meal?

Tortillas, avocado, rice, or a simple salad are all great options.

Can I use a different type of chili powder?

Yes, you can! Ancho chili powder or guajillo chili powder would also work well.

Is it possible to make this stew without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics in a large pot. Then, add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.