This Instant Pot Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes is hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet. Perfect for chilly evenings when you want a comforting bowl of something warm.
The chipotle and maple syrup add a balance of heat and sweetness that makes every bite satisfying. This recipe reminds me of my cozy beef stew recipe, only faster and richer thanks to the Instant Pot.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bold flavor: chipotle peppers in adobo give this stew a deep, smoky flavor that stands out.
Tender meat: the Instant Pot transforms lean venison into fork tender perfection.
Balanced Sweetness: sweet potatoes and maple syrup bring just the right touch of warmth and sweetness.
Key Ingredients for Chipotle Venison Stew
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Venison Stew Meat: lean and flavorful, venison brings a rich, earthy taste to this dish. Beef stew meat works just as well if you don't have venison.
- Sweet Potatoes: add natural sweetness and creamy texture to balance the smoky spice.
- Chipotle Peppers with Adobo Sauce: bring a smoky depth and a bit of heat that makes this stew stand out.
- Maple syrup: just a tablespoons enhances the flavor and adds subtle sweetness.
- Chicken broth: keeps the stew light yet flavorful, allowing the chipotle and spices shine.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beef for venison. Ideal if you don't have game meat on hand.
- Substitute white potatoes for sweet potatoes for a more traditional stew flavor.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness with a similar balance.
Variations on Instant Pot Venison Stew
- Add beans for a healthier chili-style version.
- Stir in kale or spinach after cooking for extra greens and nutrients.
- Top with avocado or sour cream to cool the heat and add creaminess.
Tips for the Best Venison Stew
- Brown the meat well: this builds deep flavor before pressure cooking.
- Deglaze the pot: scraping up the browned bits adds rich taste to the broth.
- Don't rush the release: letting the pressure come down naturally keeps the meat tender.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover venison stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
Serve With...
Serve this Instant Pot Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes alongside a Sweet DInner Roll or a slice or two of Homemade Soft White Bread for dipping. For a comforting finish, enjoy a bowl of Mom's Baked Rice Pudding for dessert.
More Easy Instant Pot Dinners
If you enjoy this hearty stew, try my Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, Instant Pot Ham and Cabbage, and Instant Pot Turkey Lentil Soup.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Instant Pot
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Ingredients
- 1½ pounds stew meat , venison or beef
- 2 large sweet potatoes , diced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon chipotle with adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Add olive oil to the instant pot and turn on the saute mode.
- When oil is hot, add onions and saute 2 minutes, or until translucent.
- Place venison stew meat in a large bowl and toss with the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt.
- Add seasoned meat to the instant pot and saute until stew is browned on all sides. Cancel the saute setting.
- Add chicken broth, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and maple syrup. Scraping the bottom of the pot to bring up any browned bits of flavor. Stir in the sweet potatoes.
- Seal the instant pot lid and make sure the release valve is in the locked position. Set the manual timer for 30 minutes.
- When timer goes off, do a slow release. After 30 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.Serve hot.
Myrna Gonzalez Childress says
Really enjoyed this. Excellent flavors. I made the mistake of chopping the sweet potatoes too small but will remember next time. I added a can of black beans once everything was cooked, which was a perfect compliment.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Myrna, so glad you enjoyed he recipe! Shelby
Nathan Newlin says
Tried in pressure cooker and was great want to try w besr meat in slow cooker........how would you vary in slow cooker as far as adding chilis and syrup later in cooking process?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Nathan, glad you enjoyed the recipe! As for a bear meat, I am not familiar with using it, however, I personally would follow the steps the same as instant pot (do the saute of veggies and sear meat first) and then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6.
Medora says
I used 1/2 pound of thick sliced venison roast.I used pot in pot for the white rice and set it for 15 minutes manual. Do you think that's enough time to tenderize the roast? Venison can dry out so quickly. Am leaving the 30 minutes natural release time.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
It shouldn't dry out. There is enough liquid in the recipe to keep it from doing so. Hope it worked well for you! Shelby
Tammy says
Shelby!
We love this recipe.
My only error was using the whole 7oz can of chipotle peppers in adobo lol. But we like spicy and it turned out fabulous.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Tammy, thank you for letting me know! So glad you love the recipe! Shelby
Jacci says
Recipe instructions don't include the chicken broth, I assume I just put that in at the end before turning on the Instant Pot?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Jacci, the chicken broth is listed first in step 6. Thanks, and enjoy!
Ron says
Excellent alternative venison stew recipe! Sweet potatoes are a great stew alternative to white potatoes and carrots and celery. Meat was very tender and the adobo pepper sauce adds just the right amount of heat to warm you on a cold night!
Note:. Instructions omit adding the chicken stock at step 6 or 7.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Ron, thanks, glad you enjoyed the recipe! Shelby
Jalena says
How many sweet potatoes do you recommend using? I don't see them listed in the ingredients....
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Jalena, it is two large sweet potatoes, diced. Enjoy!