When it comes to comforting meals, Instant Pot Beef Stew ranks close to the top of the list. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also captures the essence of home-cooked goodness in a fraction of the time it normally takes. With the added convenience of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy tender, flavorful beef stew without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a favorite for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just a few simple steps and you’re ready to go. The Instant Pot transforms tough cuts of meat into incredibly tender morsels in a fraction of the time traditionally required. Additionally, the layering of flavors from the tomatoes, herbs, and broth creates a robust taste that warms the soul. On chilly evenings or any time you crave comfort food, this stew is the perfect choice, offering warmth not just from the ingredients but also from the memories it creates around the dinner table.
Ingredients about Instant Pot Beef Stew
To prepare this hearty and delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Directions
Making your Instant Pot Beef Stew is a straightforward process, and it all begins with setting the stage for flavor.
- Start by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, it’s time to brown the beef stew meat. Doing this for about 5 to 7 minutes will create a great depth of flavor as the browning caramelizes the meat. Make sure to turn each piece to achieve even browning on all sides.
- Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. You’ll want to cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step enhances the overall taste of your stew by building a flavorful base.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce into the mixture. Add in the dried thyme, along with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir this mixture for about 2 minutes—this will further enhance the flavors and allow the tomato paste to warm through.
- Now it’s time to pour in the beef broth. This step is crucial as it deglazes the pot, lifting those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—the source of great flavor! Once the broth is in, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir everything together gently.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is in the sealed position. Set it to ‘Manual’ mode and cook for 35 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes. After that, you can do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Finally, ladle the beef stew into bowls. Serve it hot, and you may choose to garnish with fresh herbs if you like. This stew pairs wonderfully with warm bread or a fresh salad.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew
Serving your Instant Pot Beef Stew can be as simple or as fancy as you wish. To truly highlight the heartiness of the stew, ladle generous portions into deep bowls. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a touch of color and freshness.
Pair the stew with warm crusty bread or a simple side salad for balancing the richness of the dish. The buttery texture of sourdough or a light vinaigrette salad can make for a perfect companion, enhancing your dining experience. You can also serve the stew over a bed of rice or with some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful broth.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Meat Selection: Choose cuts of beef that are well-suited for stewing, such as chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the browning step! This is where a lot of flavor develops. Give the meat enough time in the pan to get that nice golden crust.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew after cooking. Let it simmer on the ‘Sauté’ setting for a few minutes until thickened.
- Fresh Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with the vegetables you use. Adding peas, green beans, or even parsnips can give your stew a unique twist while keeping it nutritious.
- Meal Prep: This stew is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and store some for later in the week. You can quickly reheat individual portions for busy nights.
How to Store Instant Pot Beef Stew
Storing your leftover Instant Pot Beef Stew is quite easy. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature first before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and allow for faster thawing. Your beef stew can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variation of Instant Pot Beef Stew
While the classic version of Instant Pot Beef Stew is always a winner, experimenting with variations can keep things exciting.
- Herb Twist: Instead of just dried thyme, try adding a mix of herbs like rosemary and oregano for a more aromatic experience. Fresh herbs can also be a delightful addition for an enhanced flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a colorful mix of vegetables. Just be mindful of their cooking time; add softer vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re up for a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. This variation can elevate the dish and provide a whole new flavor profile.
- Sweetness: Adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar can help balance the flavors, adding a hint of sweetness or acidity.
- Stout or Beer: While avoiding forbidden ingredients, using a non-alcoholic beer or stout can give a rich flavor depth without introducing alcohol.
FAQ
What is the cooking time for Instant Pot Beef Stew?
The total cooking time for Instant Pot Beef Stew is 35 minutes on ‘Manual’ mode, followed by a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes.
Can you freeze Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Beef Stew! Make sure to cool it first, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What type of beef is best for stew?
Cuts like chuck roast or brisket are the best options for beef stew, as they become tender and flavor-packed during the cooking process.
How do I make my stew thicker?
For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew after cooking, then simmer until thickened.
Can I add different vegetables to my stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various hearty vegetables, just be cautious with cooking times for softer varieties to maintain texture.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces Use chuck roast or brisket for best results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For browning the meat.
- 3 cups beef broth To deglaze the pot and add flavor.
- 4 pieces carrots, sliced Adds sweetness and texture.
- 4 pieces potatoes, diced Heartens the stew.
- 1 piece onion, chopped Builds the base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds richness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Herb for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce For umami and depth.
- to taste none Salt and pepper Season to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat the olive oil.
- Brown the beef stew meat for 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring even browning on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, along with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, lifting the browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, stirring gently.
- Close the lid with the vent in the sealed position, set to 'Manual' mode, and cook for 35 minutes.
- After cooking, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Serving
- Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve hot. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs.
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