Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew

$- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 ribs celery, sliced - 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each item plays a role in making your stew rich and tasty. The beef adds heartiness, while the veggies bring flavor and texture. Beef broth makes it all come together. Tomato paste gives it depth. Dried herbs add warmth. Don't forget the salt and pepper to season. Finally, fresh parsley adds a fresh touch on top. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store. If you want to make it your own, feel free to swap some veggies or herbs. Keep the core ingredients for the best taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. Once the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in small batches. This step is key. Browning the beef helps develop deep flavors. It takes about 4-5 minutes to brown them on all sides. Once browned, take the beef out and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This means it becomes soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to your stew. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary. Don’t forget the bay leaf! Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. Now you’re ready to cook! Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the steam valve is set to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 35 minutes. Enjoy the wait as the flavors build! How to choose the right beef cut Use beef chuck for the best stew. It has the right fat to keep things juicy. Look for meat that has nice marbling. This means it has fat mixed in. This fat melts during cooking, adding great taste and texture. Importance of browning meat Browning the beef is key to great flavor. When you brown the meat, it forms a crust. This crust adds depth to your stew. Use the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Brown in small batches to avoid steaming. Aim for 4-5 minutes per batch. Adding herbs and spices correctly Add dried herbs like thyme and rosemary at the start. This lets their flavors mix well. Fresh herbs can be added later for a brighter taste. Taste the stew before serving. This way, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Balancing seasoning for taste Salt and black pepper are your best friends. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Remember, beef broth already has salt. So, be careful not to oversalt. Using cornstarch slurry effectively To thicken your stew, use cornstarch mixed with water. This slurry works fast. Stir it into the stew and let it cook for a few minutes. This will help it reach the perfect thickness. Alternative thickening options If you don’t have cornstarch, try using mashed potatoes. They break down during cooking and thicken the stew. You can also blend a cup of the stew and mix it back in. This gives a nice, thick texture without extra ingredients. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Using beef chuck provides the best flavor and tenderness for stews, as it becomes tender during the long cooking process. Layering Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients helps to develop a deeper flavor in the stew. Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: Adding a bay leaf enhances the overall flavor profile of the stew; just remember to remove it before serving! Thickening Tips: For a richer stew, allow it to simmer longer after adding the cornstarch slurry until the desired thickness is achieved. {{image_4}} You can change up the meat in your beef stew. Try using chicken instead of beef. Chicken cooks faster, so you need to adjust the time. You can also add more veggies. Peas and mushrooms work great. They add color and flavor to the mix. You can even toss in some bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Want to make your stew richer? Add a splash of red wine. It gives the stew a deep taste. You can also switch up the herbs. Instead of thyme and rosemary, try using oregano or basil. Each herb brings a new twist to the flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite. If you're looking for gluten-free options, use gluten-free broth. For low-carb diets, skip the potatoes. Add more carrots and celery instead. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the beef for a mix of hearty vegetables. You can use lentils or chickpeas for protein. This way, everyone can enjoy a warm bowl of stew. When you have leftover beef stew, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Heat it until it's hot all the way through. Beef stew lasts up to four days in the fridge. You can freeze beef stew for later. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat the stew gently on the stove. This method helps keep the taste and texture nice. Make a big batch of beef stew for easy meals later. Portion it out into containers. This way, you can grab a meal when you need it. Label each container with the date. This helps you use it before it goes bad. Having stew ready makes weeknight dinners simple and quick. Cooking beef stew in an Instant Pot takes about 35 minutes on high pressure. After that, you should let it sit for about 10 minutes to release steam naturally. This method helps keep the meat tender and juicy. After the natural release, switch to quick release for any remaining steam. In total, you should plan for around 1 hour and 10 minutes, which includes prep time. Yes, you can cook frozen beef in the Instant Pot. However, it will take longer to reach pressure. I recommend cutting the beef into smaller pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time. Just remember that the overall flavor may not be as rich since browning adds depth. There are many great sides to serve with beef stew. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the stew. - Mashed potatoes: Adds creaminess to your meal. - Green salad: A fresh side balances the hearty stew. - Rice or quinoa: Works well for soaking up the stew's flavors. Choose any of these sides to elevate your meal and enjoy! Beef stew is a hearty meal, perfect for any night. We covered key ingredients like beef chuck, veggies, and seasonings. I shared steps to prep the beef and sauté your aromatics. You also learned tips to adjust flavor and store leftovers properly. Don’t shy away from variations or swaps for a unique twist. Cooking is fun; make your stew truly yours! Enjoy your cooking, and savor every bite.$

Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew made in an Instant Pot, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
3 ribs celery, sliced
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 leaf bay leaf
to taste salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and adding the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering, then add the beef cubes in small batches. Brown the cubes evenly on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Return the browned beef back to the pot. Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Carefully pour in the beef broth, followed by the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure an even mix of ingredients.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the steam valve is set to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
After the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then, switch the valve to Quick Release to release any remaining steam.
Once it’s safe to open, carefully lift the lid and discard the bay leaf. To thicken the stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Set the Instant Pot back to the Sauté mode and cook for a few additional minutes, stirring regularly, until the stew reaches your desired thickness.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, mixing well after each addition.
Serve the steaming beef stew hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Consider serving the stew in rustic bowls, topped with additional parsley and accompanied by crusty bread for a comforting meal experience.

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, instant pot