Pork Stew Instant Pot

Have you tried pork stew yet? It’s an inexpensive super flavorful bowl of yum! You can dice up any piece you want to get to fork tender in no time. If you’re ready to try an easy Instant Pot recipe, this should be on your table this week.

Ok so I bet you grew up like me. Your mom made stew (but with beef) almost weekly, probably made in a slow cooker which cooked all day and was kinda’ mush when you sat down to eat. Fast forward 30 years and not only do we now use different proteins but it is done much faster this way.

If you are new to this kind of cooking, or have never made this particular meal before you may wonder a few things. When it comes to vegetables you can add quite a bit but you want to keep them the size I suggest so they don’t get too soft and mushy.

Ingredient Notes

Pork shoulder, Boston butt, or a pork roast can be used. You ideally want flavorful cuts that take a long time to cook. Even Instant Pot pork tenderloin works well if you want a shorter cook time but since it is lower in fat it won’t be as tender.

You can really pack it with vegetables. Use whatever type of potatoes you prefer you can go ahead and use. Russet potatoes are fine, Yukon are a bit softer and break down quite a bit more than I would like. If I find a nice batch of red potatoes at the store I will typically use those.

Carrots hold up well since they are firm, onions too, and the canned and diced tomatoes add to the flavor and texture of the stew “sauce”. Celery would work too if cut into large chunks but will break down quite a bit under pressure.

And then you want some beef broth to create a soupier texture to the dish. Use less or more if you want it not as thick. If you wanted it thicker you could add a few tbsp of tomato paste.

How Long to Cook Pork Stew in Instant Pot

The cook time is quite quick compared to if it were in a slow cooker. Yes you must add about 25 minutes to the cook time for it to pressurize and allow steam to release at the end. So count on about an hour from start to finish.

Ninja Foodi (Option)

If you need Ninja Foodi recipes, you can use that pot instead. It doesn’t really matter what brand you might have on your countertop really. You’ll just need the high pressure function to get it done and with this brand you would use the lid that is not attached.

Tips for Success

To start with you want to add olive oil to pot and set to saute function. Brown meat until they’re no longer pink. This will lock in the juices. You don’t need to cook all the way thru.

Allow for a natural release at the end, this will keep the protein tender vs. a quick release which will pull it out. As it sits and cools the gravy will continue to thicken so if you want it thicker leave it for 15 minutes with the lid off then serve topped with parmesan cheese. Dinner rolls are great on the side too.

How to save leftovers

It saves quite nicely too if you do have leftovers. Just allow it to cool, transfer into a sealed container and into the fridge. Reheat within 3-4 days in the microwave for about 2 minute stirring in between.

Other easy family friendly pressure cooker recipes you’ll love

This is how to cook an Instant Pot frozen pork loin or pork tacos. If you like your meat melt in your mouth shredded in texture I would highly suggest trying one of these next. You can make instant pot pulled pork and if you have leftovers you can use it into an Instant Pot casseroles.

Or make a pan of beef stew casserole cooked in the oven. This one is great with ground or diced meat like we used here. With noodles mixed within it, baked in the oven and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s always a hit.

For the best pork chops you want to make sure you don’t overcook them or they’ll get dry. Larger pieces need to cook low and slow which is why they are great as a Crockpot recipe.