Instant Pot Brazilian Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and tender beef stew infused with traditional Brazilian spices and hearty root vegetables, cooked quickly in an Instant Pot. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot along with 3 sliced carrots, 2 cubed sweet potatoes, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on 'Manual' high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving this hearty, flavorful stew hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Brazilian Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Brazilian Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Brazilian Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Brazilian Beef Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Instant Pot Brazilian Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

Brazilian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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