Instant Pot Beef Stew

$- Beef and Vegetables - 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed - 1 large onion, diced - 4 carrots, sliced - 3 potatoes, diced - Liquids and Seasonings - 3 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Thickening Agent - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) When making Instant Pot beef stew, the right ingredients matter. The beef chuck is rich and tender. It adds heartiness. The veggies, like carrots and potatoes, bring sweetness and texture. For liquids, beef broth makes the stew flavorful. Olive oil enhances the savory taste. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add depth. Dried thyme and rosemary give a warm, herbal note. Bay leaves round out the flavors nicely. If you want a thicker stew, cornstarch can help. Mix it with water to create a slurry. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. This dish is great for family dinners or cozy nights in. Browning the Beef Start by setting your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the cubed beef in batches. Make sure to brown it on all sides. This step gives the beef a rich flavor. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside. Sautéing the Aromatics In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent. This usually takes about two to three minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for delicious stew. Mixing Everything in the Instant Pot Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and beef broth. Then, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pressure Cooking Process Close the lid securely on the Instant Pot. Set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook the stew on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Finally, switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Thickening the Stew If you want a thicker stew, create a slurry with one tablespoon of cornstarch and two tablespoons of water. Set the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté'. Stir in the slurry and cook until the stew thickens to your liking. Garnishing and Serving Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. This step adds a fresh touch to your hearty meal. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot beef stew! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Overcrowding the Pot You want to give your beef some space. If you overcrowd the pot, the meat steams instead of browning. This can make your stew less tasty. Cook the beef in batches. It helps achieve that nice sear you want. Using the Wrong Cut of Meat Not all beef is equal. Beef chuck is the best choice for stew. It becomes tender and juicy during cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin. They can end up tough and dry. Recommended Herbs and Spices Herbs and spices bring your stew to life. I love using thyme and rosemary. They add depth to the flavor. You can also try bay leaves for a warm touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they are key for balance. Adjusting Seasoning to Taste Taste is personal. Once your stew is cooked, taste it. You might want to add more salt or pepper. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost flavor. Always adjust to fit your taste buds! Prepping Ingredients in Advance Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop your veggies and cube the beef the day before. This makes cooking quicker and easier on busy days. You can store everything in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Utilizing the Instant Pot’s Functions The Instant Pot has many functions. Use the 'Sauté' mode to brown your meat and sauté your aromatics. This adds flavor before you pressure cook. After cooking, you can use 'Sauté' again to thicken the stew with cornstarch. It makes everything simple and fast! For the complete cooking experience, check out the Full Recipe for even more tips and details. {{image_2}} You can change your beef stew by adding different vegetables. Seasonal veggies add fresh taste and color. Try sweet potatoes in the fall or peas in the spring. You can also use mushrooms for extra flavor. Other great choices are green beans, parsnips, or turnips. Mix and match based on what you like or what you have. When it comes to alternative fixings, think about adding beans or lentils. They offer protein and fiber. You can also toss in corn or bell peppers for a splash of color. Just remember to adjust your cooking time as needed. If you need gluten-free options, swap regular broth for gluten-free broth. You can also skip the Worcestershire sauce. You can find gluten-free versions at many stores. Be sure to check the labels. For low-carb substitutes, try using cauliflower instead of potatoes. Cauliflower gives a similar texture without the carbs. You can also skip any starchy veggies. This keeps the stew tasty and light. Experimenting with different broths can change your stew game. Use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. You can even try a mushroom broth for an earthy twist. Each broth adds a unique taste to the dish. Adding unique seasoning blends can also enhance the flavor. Consider garam masala for a hint of warmth or smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness. You can also try a dash of chili powder for some heat. Mix and match until you find your favorite way to enjoy this hearty dish. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section of this article. - Best Practices for Refrigeration After you enjoy your stew, let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always label your container with the date. - Freezing for Later Use For longer storage, freeze your beef stew. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will keep for about 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Recommended Methods To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, use low heat and stir often. - Tips to Retain Flavor and Texture Add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating. This helps restore moisture. Stir well to keep the flavors bright. Avoid overheating to prevent the stew from becoming tough. - Freshness Timeline for Leftovers Keep an eye on your leftovers. If stored properly, they can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. In the freezer, you have up to 3 months. - Signs of Spoilage Check for off smells or changes in color. If the stew feels slimy, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out. Cooking Instant Pot beef stew takes about 1 hour. This time includes prep and cooking. - Prep Time: 20 minutes - Pressure Cooking Time: 35 minutes - Natural Release Time: 10 minutes The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process. You get tender beef quickly, and the flavors meld beautifully. Yes, you can swap the beef for other proteins. - Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs for a lighter dish. - Pork: Pork shoulder works well for a different flavor. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Make sure to adjust cooking times. Chicken cooks faster, while pork may need a bit more time. Instant Pot beef stew can be a healthy meal. It includes lean beef and lots of veggies. - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: High in protein due to beef - Vitamins: Carrots and potatoes add essential vitamins. You can also make it healthier by using low-sodium broth and more vegetables. Yes, you can double the recipe! Just follow these tips: - Increase Ingredients: Double all ingredients as listed in the Full Recipe. - Cooking Time: Keep the cooking time the same. The Instant Pot adjusts automatically. - Check Pressure: Ensure the pot seals correctly; a fuller pot may take longer to pressurize. Doubling the recipe is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd! Making Instant Pot beef stew is simple and rewarding. We covered the main steps, from choosing ingredients to cooking and serving. Avoid common mistakes to get the best flavor. Try adding seasonal veggies or experimenting with spices to customize your dish. Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. This stew is not just tasty; it is versatile and healthy. With these tips, your cooking adventures will be delicious and fun. Dive into creating your perfect beef stew today!$

Warm up your dinner nights with this hearty Instant Pot beef stew that's packed with flavor! In just one hour, you can enjoy tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmered to perfection using your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for cozy family meals or meal prep. Ready to create a delicious dish that warms the soul? Click to explore the full recipe and bring hearty comfort to your table!

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Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 carrots, sliced

3 potatoes, diced

3 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and add the olive oil.

Once hot, add the cubed beef in batches, browning it on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

Return the browned beef to the pot along with the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Stir all the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.

Close the lid securely, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté', and stir in the slurry, cooking until the stew thickens.

Remove the bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings