Looking for a warm, filling meal that’s easy to make? My Instant Pot Beef Stew is the answer! In just under an hour, you can enjoy tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors bursting in every bite. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in or when you’re short on time. Get ready to impress your family and warm your soul with this simple and delicious recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef and hearty vegetables that make it satisfying and nourishing.
- Easy to Make: With the Instant Pot, you can achieve rich flavors in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish that you can adapt to your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This stew shines because of its rich flavors and hearty texture. The beef chuck is tender and juicy, while the carrots and potatoes add a touch of sweetness. The olive oil helps to brown the beef and adds a nice depth of flavor.
For herbs, I love using thyme and rosemary. They bring an earthy note that pairs perfectly with the beef. The bay leaf adds a subtle aroma that rounds out the dish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.
If you want to thicken the stew, cornstarch works great. Just mix it with cold water before adding. The fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.
These ingredients create a comforting meal that warms the soul. Feel free to play with the herbs and veggies for your perfect blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sautéing the Beef
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season 2 pounds of beef chuck with salt and pepper.
- Add beef cubes to the pot.
- Brown beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove beef and set aside.
Cooking the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion.
- Sauté until the onion is translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients for Stew
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add 4 sliced carrots and 3 diced potatoes.
- Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Add 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf.
- Mix everything well.
Pressure Cooking the Stew
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot.
- Set the valve to Sealing.
- Select Pressure Cook and set for 35 minutes.
Natural Pressure Release
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
Thickening and Serving the Stew
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
- If you want a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the stew.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor
- Use quality beef and fresh vegetables. This makes a big difference in taste. I recommend beef chuck for its rich flavor. Fresh carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture.
- Adjust seasoning based on personal preference. Salt and pepper are key. Taste the stew as it cooks. Add more if needed to enhance the flavor.
Instant Pot Settings
- Sauté mode cooks ingredients in oil. It helps develop flavor by browning the beef. Pressure Cook mode cooks everything fast under high pressure.
- Sealing and venting are crucial. Always set the valve to Sealing before cooking. After cooking, switch to Venting to release pressure safely.
Enhancing Texture
- Ways to achieve desired thickness include using cornstarch. Mix it with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into your stew for a thicker texture.
- Alternative thickening methods involve simmering. Let the stew cook longer on Sauté mode. This lets some liquid evaporate and thickens the stew naturally.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked properly.
- Layering Flavors: Sautéing the beef and aromatics first builds a deeper flavor profile in the stew, making it more delicious.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as peas, celery, or green beans based on your preference.
- Storage Tips: This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can switch out beef chuck for other cuts. Sirloin or brisket work well too. For a lighter stew, use chicken. You can also add different veggies. Try peas, green beans, or mushrooms for a tasty twist. Each swap gives the stew a new touch.
Flavor Profile Changes
Want to boost the taste? Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce. Both give a rich depth. You can also play with herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. Smoked paprika adds warmth, while a pinch of cumin brings earthiness.
Slow Cooker Adaptation
If you want to use a slow cooker, it’s easy. Just brown the beef in a pan first. Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The Instant Pot cooks faster, but slow cooking gives great flavor too.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
After you finish your beef stew, let it cool completely. This helps keep the stew tasty. Once cooled, store it in airtight containers. This keeps air out and helps it last longer.
Shelf Life
If you store the stew in the fridge, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date so you know when to use it.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat in the microwave, place the stew in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat it for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming.
If you prefer the stovetop, pour the stew into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it warms through. Add a bit of water if it seems too thick.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook beef stew in an Instant Pot?
Cooking beef stew in an Instant Pot takes about 1 hour. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Pressure cooking time: 35 minutes
- Natural release time: 10-15 minutes
This method saves time while giving you tender, tasty beef.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. If your beef is frozen, do not sauté.
- Add the frozen beef directly to the pot.
- Increase the pressure cooking time to about 45 minutes.
This will ensure that the beef cooks fully and remains tender.
What can I serve with beef stew?
Beef stew pairs well with many sides. Here are a few great options:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Mashed potatoes for creaminess
- Rice for soaking up the sauce
- A fresh green salad for crunch
These sides will balance the rich flavors of your stew.
This beef stew recipe combines savory flavors and simple steps. We’ve covered the key ingredients, from tender beef chuck to fresh veggies. You can adapt flavors and make it your own. Remember to ensure you seal the Instant Pot correctly. Proper storage extends your stew’s freshness. Reheat wisely for the best taste. Now, you are ready to create a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love. Enjoy cooking and tasting your delicious beef ste
Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 unit onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 units carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 units potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 unit bay leaf
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sauté until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and mix well.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook, stirring frequently, until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
