Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew recipe is unlike *typical* beef stews. This paleo, keto, and Whole30 Instant Pot main dish is bursting with classic, smokey Tex-Mex flavor and can be served with a variety of nourishing toppings for a hearty and healthy meal!

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I have a really bad habit…

I use up all our locally raised, grass-fed ground beef and then have random cuts of meat left in my deep freezer that, confession, I don’t always know what to do with.

Even though I’m in my mid-30s, I still haven’t attempted a brisket. (That stuff is reserved for experienced mothers, like my mom, right?) 😉

I’m not gun-shy at all about using up the 20 to 25 pounds of ground beef and roasts that come in our order. And, my hubby isn’t shy about using up the ribeyes and t-bones.

But then? We’re left with things like flank steak and short ribs and stew meat that kinda make me scratch my head a little — because I find tough cuts of beef intimidating.

Quick & Easy Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew

Determined not to use up all the ground beef and have nothing left but various tough cuts, I busted out a couple of pounds of the stew meat. I’ve made traditonal beef stew before… in my slow cooker.

On the particular day I attempted *this* paleo, keto, and Whole Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew, my husband was coming home for lunch. 

Have I mentioned yet that the meat was thawed, but I had neglected to put it in the slow cooker? So, when I glanced at the clock at 11:07 a.m., I freaked out just a little.

David would be home for lunch in 53 minutes, and girlfriend, no one cooks a good beef stew in 53 minutes!

Except I did…

And I gave it a smokey, spicy Mexican twist.

I threw it in the Instant Pot because that was the only way lunch was happening on this particular day. Instant Pot to the rescue once again!

It resulted in a tender, Mexican-flavored stew that we ate over my Turmeric Cauliflower Rice (that is, thankfully, quick to make!).

Holy cow, is it ever good.

How to Make Paleo, Whole30, & Keto Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew

Begin by prepping all your ingredients: chop the onion, open the cans of green chiles and tomatoes, and measure out all your spices.

Next, press the Saute button on your Instant Pot and heat the fat. Add the onions and saute them for 2 to 3 minutes.

Then, add the remaining ingredients. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the vent is closed.

Press the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button, and then press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button. Adjust the time to 30 minutes on high pressure.

As soon as it beeps, manually release the pressure and serve!

Side Dish Suggestions

Whole30, keto, and paleo side dish options:

• plain cauli-rice — here’s how to make your own!
• my Turmeric Cauliflower Rice
• spaghetti squash
• zucchini noodles

Gluten-free side dish options:

• sprouted brown rice
• jasmine rice
• Ranchero beans

And of course, you can also go nuts with toppings! When it comes to all Mexican-inspired dishes, the toppings reign supreme.

Topping ideas:

• pico de gallo
• salsa
• salsa verde
• fresh cilantro
• guac or sliced avocado
• shredded raw cheddar (if dairy is tolerated)
• cilantro chimichurri
• fermented jalapeno peppers

Ingredient Subs & Recipe FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

Yes, but you’ll need to significantly decrease the cook time. Also, partially brown the meat using the Saute feature first, then add the rest of the ingredients, then cook. If using ground beef, I would pressure cook for 10 minutes tops.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Sure! I prefer canned tomatoes, but if you have fresh and want to use them, go for it. I buy organic diced tomatoes from Thrive Market in BPA-free cans.

Best place to find grass-fed stew meat?

Health food stores will often have grass-fed stew meat. However, we purchase 1/4 cow from a local rancher and stew meat is always included in our order. It’s locally raised, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, and tastes AMAZING. I highly recommend going with locally raised grass-fed beef for best taste and to support local ranchers!

Can I use lamb stew meat?

You sure can!

I don’t have an Instant Pot. How can I make this?

I would use a slow cooker, not the stovetop. Stew meat is notoriously tough and requires either cooking under pressure or long, low, and slow. Use 3 cups of broth and don’t add the canned tomatoes and green chiles until an hour before you want to serve, or they’ll turn into mush. Slow cook on high for 4-ish hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours.

4.6 from 5 votes

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Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew

Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew recipe is unlike *typical* beef stews. This paleo, keto, and Whole30 Instant Pot main dish is bursting with classic, smokey Tex-Mex flavor and can be served with a variety of nourishing toppings for a hearty and healthy meal!

CourseMain Dish

CuisineMexican, Tex-Mex

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 393 kcal

Author Lindsey Dietz

Ingredients

• 2tablespoonsfat -- I used lardbut avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter would also work
• 1largeyellow oniondiced
• 2poundsstew meatthawed
• 2teaspoonssaltto taste
• 2teaspoonscumin
• 1teaspoonpaprika
• 1teaspoondried oregano
• 1/2teaspoonblack pepper
• 1/2teaspoonchipotle powder
• 1cupbone broth
• 1-15oz. canfire-roasted tomatoes
• 1-6oz.can diced green chiles

Instructions

1. Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot and add the fat to the pot.
2. Once melted, add the diced onion and saute 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to mix well.

4. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and make sure the vent is closed.

5. Press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button and adjust the time to 30 minutes on high pressure.

6. When it beeps, immediately release the pressure.

7. Remove the lid and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew

Amount Per Serving

Calories 393Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 106mg35%

Sodium 673mg29%

Potassium 124mg4%

Carbohydrates 4.5g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 29g58%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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What’s your favorite way to make beef stew? Is it in your Instant Pot?

Originally published on March 3, 2016. Updated text and new photos and republished on February 16, 2020.