Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty bowl of beef stew—especially when it's ready in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. This beloved kitchen gadget truly shines when it comes to tender meats and rich, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to long hours over the stove and hello to more time savoring every delicious bite. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly dinner or a meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this Instant Pot Beef Stew will become your go-to recipe.
Why Use the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot takes a classic beef stew and elevates it with convenience. It can cut the cooking time from hours to under an hour without sacrificing flavor or texture. It evenly cooks the beef until melt-in-your-mouth tender while infusing the broth with herbs and spices. Plus, there's minimal cleanup—you can sauté, stew, and pressure cook all in one appliance!
Get your apron on, and let's make this soul-warming dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to love.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a classic beef stew that’ll wow your family or guests.
For the stew:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat (cut into 1-2 inch chunks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For thickening the stew (optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional garnishes and sides:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Season your beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the Instant Pot in batches to sear each side until brown. This adds a layer of rich flavor to your stew. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—these little bits are packed with flavor!
Step 5: Add the Spices and Beef
Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and drop in the bay leaves. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir everything together.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set your Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” mode) on HIGH for 35 minutes. Once the cooking is done, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully switching to a quick release.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch and water in a bowl to make a slurry. Set the Instant Pot back to "Sauté" and stir the slurry into the pot. Allow the stew to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Customization
- Vegetable Variations: Add parsnips, peas, green beans, or mushrooms if you'd like to switch things up or use what’s in your fridge.
- Herb Swaps: Swap thyme and rosemary for fresh or dried parsley, oregano, or marjoram based on your flavor preferences.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips.
- Wine-Lover’s Addition: Add ½ cup of red wine to the broth for extra depth of flavor.
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is sure to become a staple comfort food in your household. It's hearty, packed with delicious layers of flavor, and perfect for meal prepping. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever made stew without your trusty Instant Pot.
Enjoy every tender, flavorful bite—and don’t forget to share seconds! Bon appétit!
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