Instant Pot Beef Stew

Looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that you can make with minimal effort? Look no further than this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe! It’s a perfect comfort food that offers rich flavors, tender beef, and deliciously seasoned vegetables. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for a family gathering, this recipe will impress. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make the best beef stew in your Instant Pot!

What is Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a savory, one-pot dish made using tender chunks of beef, vegetables, broth, and seasonings. It's a modern twist on the traditional stovetop or slow-cooker beef stew, utilizing the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function to drastically reduce cooking time. In just a fraction of the time, you’ll have a flavorful meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours!

Ingredients List for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Beef Chuck Roast: You’ll want about 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes. This cut of beef becomes incredibly tender when pressure-cooked.
• Carrots: 4-5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds. These add sweetness and texture to the stew.
• Potatoes: 3-4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Adds savory depth to the stew.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced for a punch of flavor.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth or stock. This forms the base of your stew’s liquid.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons to thicken the broth and add a rich, tangy flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon to enhance the umami flavor.
• Flour (or cornstarch): 2 tablespoons, for browning the beef and thickening the stew.
• Bay Leaf: 1 or 2 for a classic aromatic addition.
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or a sprig of fresh thyme for a subtle herbal flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for browning the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup, added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations for Instant Pot Beef Stew

If you're looking to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs, here are a few options:

• Beef: If you don’t have beef chuck, you can use stew beef, short ribs, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, celery, or green beans. Root vegetables work particularly well in beef stew.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of beef broth and red wine.
• Thickener: Instead of flour, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to keep the recipe gluten-free.
• Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for an earthy, smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Instant Pot Beef Stew

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your vegetables and cutting the beef into 1 to 2-inch chunks. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté Mode: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat for a minute. Brown the beef in batches to get a good sear on all sides. This helps lock in flavor. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: After the beef is browned, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and flour (or cornstarch). Cook for another 1-2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a little beef broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot. This step ensures that all those flavorful bits from browning the beef are incorporated into the stew.
6. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the browned beef back into the pot, along with the carrots, potatoes, remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir.
7. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
8. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.”
9. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas at the end. The residual heat will cook them perfectly without making them mushy.
10. Serve: Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving. Your Instant Pot Beef Stew is now ready to enjoy!

How to Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by cutting your beef into cubes, chopping your vegetables, and gathering all your seasonings.
2. Sauté the Beef: Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown the beef and vegetables. This step is crucial for building depth of flavor.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: After browning, deglaze the pot with beef broth, ensuring no bits stick to the bottom. Then add your seasonings, bay leaf, and other ingredients.
4. Pressure Cook: Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes, which will transform your beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
5. Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
6. Final Touches: Add the frozen peas for a splash of color and flavor right at the end, then serve immediately!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the beef before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the stew. Don’t skip this step!
• Not Deglazing the Pot: If you don’t scrape up the brown bits after browning, they can burn and trigger the “Burn” warning on your Instant Pot.
• Overcooking Vegetables: To avoid mushy vegetables, keep your carrots and potatoes in larger chunks, or add more delicate veggies like peas at the end.
• Using Too Little Liquid: The Instant Pot needs liquid to function correctly, so don’t skimp on the broth.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a comforting dish best served piping hot. Here’s how to make it shine:

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to sop up the delicious broth.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• For a richer dish, consider serving over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, vegetables, and hearty broth. However, you can also pair it with the following:

• Side Salad: A light, refreshing side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
• Rice or Polenta: If you prefer, serve the stew over rice or creamy polenta for an even heartier meal.

Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Rustic Charm: Serve the stew in rustic, deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
• Family-Style: Place the stew in a large serving dish at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Servings: Ladle the stew into individual bowls and top with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped herbs for a gourmet touch.

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Tips

• Marinate the Beef: For extra flavor, marinate the beef in a bit of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
• Frozen Peas: Don’t add the peas until the end to maintain their bright color and texture.
• Thickening the Stew: If the stew is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew to thicken it further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen beef for Instant Pot Beef Stew?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef, but the cooking time will increase. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! You can simmer this beef stew on the stovetop for 2-3 hours or use a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: How do I reheat beef stew?
A: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a little broth if the stew has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal that combines the convenience of modern cooking with timeless, comforting flavors. By following these tips, substitutions, and detailed instructions, you’ll be well on your way to serving a delicious, hearty beef stew in no time. Whether it’s a chilly night or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. So, fire up your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try!

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