This Ninja Foodi Beef Stew Recipe is packed with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and a rich, savory broth—all made in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy nights or when you need a hug in a bowl.
I’ll be honest—I was never a “beef stew” person growing up. My mom made it, sure, but as a kid, I saw it as the thing I had to eat before I could get dessert. It was fine. But it wasn’t exciting. Then adulthood happened, and suddenly, I understood.
There’s something about coming home to a warm, hearty bowl of stew after a long day that just hits different. And once I realized I could make it in my Ninja Foodi—without waiting four hours? Game. Changer.
I made this for the first time on a freezing night when I had zero patience. The kind of night where you just need something warm and filling. I tossed everything into the Ninja Foodi, and within 40 minutes, I had a rich, velvety stew that tasted like it had been simmering all day. My husband took one bite and literally said, “Wait, did you actually make this?” (Rude, but fair.)
So if you’re craving a bowl of actual comfort food—without the wait—this Ninja Foodi Beef Stew Recipe is about to be your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Ninja Foodi Beef Stew Recipe?
- It’s FAST. Traditional beef stew takes hours. This one? 40 minutes. That’s faster than deciding what to watch on Netflix.
- One pot, no mess. No extra dishes. No pile of pans in the sink. Just dump, cook, and enjoy.
- Crazy good flavor. Pressure cooking infuses every bite with deep, beefy, garlicky goodness.
- It thickens beautifully. No watery broth here—just a rich, velvety sauce hugging those tender chunks of beef.
- Leftovers? Even better. Something magical happens overnight. The flavors deepen, and the next day, it tastes even better.
Ingredient Notes:
I’ll admit, I’ve tried to wing it with beef stew before, thinking I could throw in whatever was in my fridge. Turns out, some ingredients matter way more than others. Here’s what makes this one shine:
- Beef Stew Meat – Chuck roast or bottom round is your best bet. Lean cuts will just get chewy (and nobody wants that).
- Beef Broth & Bouillon Cube – This combo is the secret to that deep, rich flavor. If you’re watching salt, go for low-sodium broth.
- Russet Potatoes – These break down slightly, naturally thickening the stew. Prefer firmer chunks? Try Yukon Golds instead.
- Carrots & Celery – They add sweetness and balance. If you skip them, don’t tell me—I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it.
- Paprika & Worcestershire Sauce – Tiny additions, massive impact. They add a smoky, umami depth you don’t want to miss.
- Cornstarch – The secret weapon for thickening. Pro tip: Mix it with cold water first, so you don’t end up with weird clumps.
How To Make Ninja Foodi Beef Stew?
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Onion
Set your Ninja Foodi to Sauté mode and throw in the stew meat and diced onion. Let them get a nice sear—this adds layers of flavor. If your kitchen smells amazing at this point, you’re doing it right.
Step 2: Load Up the Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth, bay leaf, paprika, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, carrots, celery, and bouillon cube. Give it a quick stir to coat everything. It already looks good, and you haven’t even cooked it yet.
Step 3: Pressure Cook Like a Pro
Secure the pressure cooker lid, set the nozzle to ‘seal’, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Now go do something fun. Read, scroll Instagram, or finally text back that friend you’ve been ignoring.
Step 4: Release the Pressure
Want To Save This Recipe?
Once the timer beeps, let it naturally release for 5 minutes (basically, just ignore it). Then, do a quick release to let out the rest of the steam. Pro tip: Stand back unless you like a free facial.
Step 5: Thicken It Up
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in. Within minutes, the broth transforms into a thick, velvety sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Devour
Give it a quick taste (maybe a little extra salt?) and serve. Don’t even bother putting the leftovers away yet—you’ll probably be back for seconds.
Storage Options:
The best thing about stew? It gets even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or zap it in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Try these easy swaps:
- Swap the Beef: Chicken thighs work great, or go bold with pork shoulder.
- Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce can kick it up.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or even a handful of spinach near the end can mix things up.
- Thicker Broth?: Instead of cornstarch, mash up a few potatoes right in the stew.
What to Serve with Ninja Foodi Beef Stew?
Stew is amazing on its own, but if you want to take it to chef’s kiss level, try pairing it with:
- Crusty Bread – Soak up that broth like a pro.
- Mashed Potatoes – Because carbs on carbs is a life philosophy.
- Cornbread – A slightly sweet, crumbly contrast to the rich stew.
- Steamed Rice – Great if you want to stretch the meal even further.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?
Yep! Just brown the beef first, then cook everything on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Super easy—just use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and swap cornstarch for arrowroot powder.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your Ninja Foodi isn’t overfilled past the max line.
And that’s it—the coziest, easiest beef stew you’ll ever make. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just in the mood for something warm and hearty, this Ninja Foodi Beef Stew Recipe is a total win.
So tell me—what’s your ultimate comfort food? Drop a comment, and let’s chat!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ninja Foodi Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 - 2 pounds beef stew meat such as chuck roast or bottom round
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 cloves garlic crushed (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 russet potatoes peeled and diced (approximately 2 cups)
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Sear the Beef and Sauté the Onion
- Set the Ninja Foodi to Sauté mode and allow it to heat for a few minutes. Add the stew meat and diced onion to the pot, searing the beef on all sides until it is browned. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish.
Add the Ingredients
- Once the beef is well-seared, add the beef broth, bay leaf, paprika, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, carrots, celery, and bouillon cube. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Pressure Cook the Stew
- Secure the pressure cooker lid onto the Ninja Foodi and set the nozzle to the ‘seal’ position. Select the manual high-pressure cooking mode and set the timer for 30 minutes.
Release the Pressure
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the stew to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the nozzle to ‘vent’.
Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew, allowing it to thicken for several minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
- Discard the bay leaf, then ladle the stew into bowls. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, as traditional versions may contain gluten.
- Replace the beef bouillon cube with a gluten-free alternative or use additional beef broth for enhanced flavor.
- Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder in equal amounts to maintain the stew’s thick consistency.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
