Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a comforting dish that brings together tender beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant carrots in a rich broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this stew is not only easy to prepare but also offers deep flavors that everyone will love. The Instant Pot makes it simple to achieve delicious results in less time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while enhancing flavors.
• Rich Flavor: Tender beef combined with fresh vegetables creates a savory and satisfying dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: This recipe allows for various vegetable additions based on your preferences.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash afterward.
• Nutrient-Packed: Enjoy a wholesome meal filled with protein and vitamins from the veggies.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Beef Stew, having the right tools will streamline the cooking process. Here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking while locking in flavors and moisture.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Provides a safe surface and sharp tool for preparing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precision in seasoning and ingredient amounts for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is filled with tender pieces of beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich and flavorful broth. Serve it with some crusty bread and a green salad for a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast (or beef stew meat)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 yellow onion (chopped)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 cups unsalted beef stock (or low sodium beef broth)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 4 carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal)
– 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 4 medium, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

If using chuck roast and not already cut stew meat, cut the beef into 1 ½ to 2-inch cubes.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. When hot:
* Add half of the beef in a single layer.
* Sprinkle with half of the salt and pepper.
* Brown on one side for about 4 minutes until easily releases from the pot.
* Flip the beef pieces; brown on the second side for about another 4 minutes.
* Remove browned beef to a clean bowl.

Step 3: Brown Remaining Beef

Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Brown second half of beef:
* Season with remaining salt and pepper.
* Repeat browning process: about 4 minutes per side.
* Transfer to bowl with first batch of beef.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add chopped onion to Instant Pot:
* Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until softened.
* Add minced garlic; cancel sauté mode after stirring for about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in 1 cup of beef broth:
* Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pot.
* Pour in remaining broth.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf:
* Stir well to combine all ingredients.
* Return browned beef along with its juices back into pot.
* Place carrots and potatoes on top; do not stir.

Step 7: Pressure Cook

Close lid; set steam release valve to sealing position:
Press Manual/Pressure Cook button; set cook time to 35 minutes at high pressure.
The Instant Pot will take about 10–15 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts.

Step 8: Natural Release

Once cook time ends:
Allow natural release for about 10 minutes.
Carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by moving steam release valve to venting position using a long spoon handle.

Step 9: Final Touches

Open lid; remove bay leaf from stew.

Step 10: Thicken Stew

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water:
Pour mixture into pot; turn on sauté function again.
Let stew simmer while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened—be careful not to break up vegetables as you stir.

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Beef Stew!

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew

Serving Instant Pot Beef Stew is a delightful experience, as it brings together rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This comforting dish can be paired with various sides to enhance the meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: The perfect accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread: Adds an aromatic touch that complements the stew beautifully.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Green Salad: A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed lightly in vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Rich and creamy, this salad contrasts nicely with the robust flavors of the stew.

Offer Some Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated over the top adds a savory finish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully when sprinkled on hot stew for added richness.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• Steamed Rice: Absorbs the stew’s broth well, making each bite satisfying.
• Quinoa: A nutritious option that provides a nice texture alongside the beef.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew

Perfecting your Instant Pot Beef Stew takes just a few tips to ensure it’s delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Beef: Selecting high-quality beef chuck roast enhances flavor and tenderness in the stew.
• Brown the Meat Well: Take time to brown the beef; this step adds depth of flavor through caramelization.
• Don’t Skip Deglazing: Scraping up browned bits from the pot after sautéing elevates the stew’s taste significantly.
• Layer Ingredients Properly: Place vegetables on top of meat without stirring to prevent overcooking.
• Allow Natural Release: Letting the pressure release naturally preserves moisture and tenderness in the beef.
• Adjust Seasoning After Cooking: Taste before serving and tweak salt and pepper if needed for a balanced flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Beef Stew can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are classic and pair perfectly with any stew.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Buttered Noodles: Simple egg noodles tossed in butter provide a comforting addition to soak up gravy.
4. Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory beef stew flavors.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the hearty stew nicely.
6. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance and freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Beef Stew, certain errors can impact the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef first can result in a less flavorful stew. Always take the time to brown the meat for added depth of flavor.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too much beef at once can lead to uneven cooking. Brown the meat in batches to ensure each piece gets properly seared.
• Not deglazing the pot: Ignoring this step can leave burnt bits that affect the taste. Always pour in some broth and scrape up those delicious browned bits before continuing.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can change the stew’s texture. Follow the recommended cooking times for perfectly tender beef.
• Forgetting to season layers: Neglecting to season each component can make your stew bland. Season meat, vegetables, and broth at different stages for maximum flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the stew to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Freezing Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place stew in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour stew into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty dish made with tender beef, vegetables, and rich broth cooked quickly under pressure in an Instant Pot.

How do I customize my Instant Pot Beef Stew?

You can customize by adding different vegetables like peas or mushrooms, using various herbs, or adjusting seasoning according to your taste preference.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes! You can try chicken, turkey, or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor profile while keeping the same cooking method.

How do I know when my beef is tender?

The beef is tender when it easily breaks apart with a fork after pressure cooking. This typically happens after following the recommended cooking time.

What should I serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew?

Pair your beef stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is not only a filling meal but also highly versatile. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Whether you add different vegetables or spices, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today!

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