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To make a tasty Instant Pot Beef Stew, you need the following items: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 3 carrots, sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 2 stalks celery, chopped - 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The beef chuck gives a rich taste. Olive oil helps to brown the meat. Onions and garlic add depth and aroma. Broth forms the base for flavor. Carrots and potatoes provide texture and sweetness. Peas add a touch of color and freshness. I recommend using fresh herbs when possible. They boost flavor and make the stew even better. For a twist, try adding your favorite spices. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own. For the complete method, check out the Full Recipe. Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. Next, add 2 lbs of beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes. Brown the beef for about 5 minutes. This creates a rich flavor and a nice crust. After browning, remove the beef and set it on a plate. This step is key for a deep taste in your stew. In the same pot, toss in 1 large onion, finely chopped, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and smell sweet. This process builds flavor. Then, pour in 1 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the tasty bits stuck to the bottom. This adds even more flavor to your stew. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the rest of the beef broth, which is 3 cups. Mix in 3 sliced carrots, 3 diced potatoes, 2 chopped stalks of celery, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget to add 2 teaspoons each of dried thyme and dried rosemary, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. Close the lid of your Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Select manual cooking mode and set the timer for 35 minutes. This pressure cooking time allows all flavors to blend together. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, do a quick release to get rid of any remaining pressure. If you want a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Select the sauté function again, stir in this mixture, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This will give your stew the perfect consistency. Finally, stir in 1 cup of peas and let them heat for 2 minutes. This adds color and freshness. Serve your hearty stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a lovely finish. To boost the flavor of your beef stew, start with aromatics. Aromatics enhance taste and make your dish smell great. Always sauté your onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This step adds depth and richness to your stew. Best practices for deglazing: After browning your beef, use beef broth to deglaze the pot. Pour in a cup of broth and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. This process lifts the tasty browned bits stuck to the pot. These bits pack a lot of flavor that will make your stew shine. For the perfect stew thickness, consider using cornstarch. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with some water to make a slurry. Add this to your stew during the last cooking phase. Stir it in, and let it simmer until thickened. Adjusting seasoning: Always taste your stew after cooking. If it needs more flavor, simply add salt, pepper, or herbs. A little adjustment can elevate your dish to the next level. How you serve your beef stew matters. Use rustic bowls for a cozy feel. Ladle the stew in and top it with fresh parsley for color. Pairing recommendations: Serve your stew with crusty bread. The bread is great for dipping and makes the meal feel complete. You can also enjoy it with a simple green salad for some crunch. {{image_4}} You can easily swap beef for chicken or pork. Both meats cook well in the Instant Pot. Chicken gives a lighter taste, while pork adds a sweet flavor. For a vegan option, use plant-based proteins like mushrooms or lentils. These ingredients absorb flavors and create a hearty dish. You can also use tofu for a protein boost without meat. Feel free to change up the vegetables in your stew. If you can't find carrots, use parsnips or turnips. You can also add sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Changing spices can create exciting new flavors. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, can make your stew fresh and vibrant. Explore regional variations like Irish or Italian beef stew. Irish beef stew often includes Guinness for a deep flavor. Italian versions might add tomatoes and bell peppers for brightness. You can also add regional ingredients, like olives or capers, for a unique touch. Each variation tells a story and brings new tastes to your table. For the full recipe to create your own Instant Pot Beef Stew, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your beef stew fresh, store it in airtight containers. Let it cool completely before sealing. This step prevents moisture build-up, which can cause spoilage. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to reduce freezer burn. Label your containers with the date for easy tracking. When reheating, do it gently. Use the stovetop or microwave. Stir often to heat evenly. If your stew seems thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water. This helps restore the original consistency. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it stays good for up to 3 months. Look for signs of spoilage like off smells or mold. If you see any, it's best to discard the stew. Enjoy your savory beef stew again with these storage tips! How long can I cook beef stew in an Instant Pot? You can cook beef stew in an Instant Pot for about 35 minutes. This allows the beef to become tender and soak up the flavors. Make sure to let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes after cooking. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The Instant Pot will handle the extra time well, making your stew just as tasty. What should I do if my stew is too salty? If your stew tastes too salty, add a peeled potato. The potato will absorb some salt. Cook it in the stew until soft, then remove it before serving. Can I use water instead of broth? You can use water, but broth adds more flavor. If you use water, consider adding extra herbs or spices to boost the taste. What can I replace Worcestershire sauce with? You can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute. Both add a nice depth of flavor, similar to Worcestershire sauce. How do pressure cooking times vary with different meats? Different meats need different times. Beef usually needs about 35 minutes. Chicken takes around 10-15 minutes, while pork needs about 20-25 minutes to cook well in the Instant Pot. What is the best way to thicken stew quickly? The best way to thicken stew is to make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water. Stir it into your stew and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. This blog post covered how to make a tasty beef stew. We discussed essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for flavor. You learned about variations like vegan options and ingredient swaps. Proper storage methods and reheating tips ensure your stew stays delicious. In conclusion, making beef stew can be fun and rewarding. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Warm up your dinner routine with this delightful Savory Herb Instant Pot Beef Stew! Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is super easy and perfect for weeknights. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to create a hearty meal that everyone will love. Don't miss out on incredible flavors and a cozy dinner experience—click to explore the full recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

3 carrots, sliced into rounds

3 medium potatoes, diced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Beef: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering. Add the beef cubes in small batches, browning each batch for about 5 minutes until they develop a rich, golden crust on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.

      Deglaze with Broth: Slowly pour in 1 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any of those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is essential for enhancing the overall flavor of your stew.

        Add Ingredients: Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Add in the remaining beef broth along with the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

          Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the valve is set to sealing. Select the manual cooking mode and adjust the timer to 35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop under pressure.

            Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After this, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure safely.

              Thickening (Optional): If you desire a thicker stew, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water. Select the sauté function again, add the slurry to the stew, and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the stew reaches your desired thickness.

                Add Peas: Gently stir in the peas and let them cook for an additional 2 minutes or until heated through, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

                  Garnish and Serve: Ladle the savory stew into bowls, generously garnishing each serving with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and freshness before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the stew in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of extra parsley not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing contrast.