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Instant Pot Beef Stew Quick and Tasty Recipe

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- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening The key to a great beef stew lies in its ingredients. I use beef chuck for its rich flavor. Cut it into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Next, I add fresh vegetables. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Onions and garlic bring depth to the stew. Beef broth forms the base of the stew. It provides moisture and enhances the beef flavor. Tomato paste adds a nice acidity and helps thicken the dish. For seasoning, I rely on dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. They infuse the stew with warm, earthy notes. I always use olive oil for sautéing. It adds a nice richness. Salt and pepper are essential, too. They enhance all the flavors in the stew. For a pop of color and sweetness, I sometimes add frozen peas. If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water. Stir it in for a nice, rich texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting your veggies. Slice four medium carrots into rounds. Dice three medium potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop one medium onion. Finally, mince three cloves of garlic. Next, cut two pounds of beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This beef will add rich flavor to your stew. Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat. When hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides, which takes about five minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes until they smell great. Then, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and four cups of beef broth. Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried rosemary, and two bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 35 minutes. After cooking, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for ten minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to Venting to let out any remaining steam. Remove the bay leaves from the stew. If you want a thicker stew, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this slurry into the stew. Let it simmer on Sauté mode until it thickens. For a pop of color, add one cup of frozen peas just before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew! You can switch up the meat in this stew for a new taste. Try using beef round for a leaner cut. It cooks well and stays tender. Lamb is another great option. It adds a rich flavor that many love. If you want a lighter dish, consider chicken. Use chicken thighs for best results. The stew will still be hearty and satisfying. Want to make it meat-free? You can use mushrooms or tofu as meat alternatives. They soak up flavors well and add texture. You can also pack in more vegetables. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Using legumes like chickpeas or lentils boosts protein and fiber. Want to spice things up? Add some chopped peppers for a kick. You can use jalapeños or bell peppers based on your taste. Experiment with different herbs and spices. Try cumin for a warm flavor or smoked paprika for a bit of smokiness. Fresh herbs, like parsley, can brighten the dish too. Pro Tips Choosing the Right Cut: For a tender and flavorful stew, use beef chuck. It has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become melt-in-your-mouth tender during cooking. Searing for Flavor: Don't skip the browning step! Searing the beef enhances its flavor and adds depth to the overall dish. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add it to the stew before serving and let it simmer until thickened. Fresh Herbs for Aroma: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. It brightens the dish and enhances the aroma. {{image_2}} To store leftover beef stew, cool it to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh and prevents odors. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing your beef stew is easy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand when frozen. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge. For quick reheating, you can use the microwave or heat it on the stove until warm. Meal prep with beef stew is a breeze. Portion it into single servings for quick lunches or dinners. Pair your stew with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also add a side of rice or mashed potatoes to make it more filling. This way, you have delicious meals ready to go any day of the week! The total cooking time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This includes: - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 35 minutes on high pressure - Natural release: 10 minutes You can have a warm, comforting meal ready in just over an hour. Yes, you can skip browning, but it changes the flavor. When you brown meat, you create a rich taste. This browning adds depth and a nice color to the stew. If you want the best flavor, I recommend browning the meat first. You can pair beef stew with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the stew. - Salad: A light green salad or a simple Caesar salad can balance the meal. - Vegetables: Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition. These sides will make your meal more filling and enjoyable! You learned how to make a delicious Instant Pot beef stew. We covered the main ingredients, seasonings, and even optional items. I guided you through each cooking step, from prep to finish. Tips helped you achieve a great texture and flavor balance. We explored variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Finally, you know how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Now you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal anytime!

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Craving a hearty meal that cooks in a flash? Look no further! This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich seasonings for a quick and tasty dish. I’ll guide you step-by-step, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking novice, you’ll find this meal easy to make and hard to resist. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Hearty and Satisfying: This beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold days and gatherings.
  2. Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this recipe cuts down on cooking time while still delivering rich flavors.
  3. Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or your family’s preferences.
  4. Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein, this stew is not only delicious but also a wholesome meal option.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening

The key to a great beef stew lies in its ingredients. I use beef chuck for its rich flavor. Cut it into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Next, I add fresh vegetables. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Onions and garlic bring depth to the stew.

Beef broth forms the base of the stew. It provides moisture and enhances the beef flavor. Tomato paste adds a nice acidity and helps thicken the dish. For seasoning, I rely on dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. They infuse the stew with warm, earthy notes.

I always use olive oil for sautéing. It adds a nice richness. Salt and pepper are essential, too. They enhance all the flavors in the stew.

For a pop of color and sweetness, I sometimes add frozen peas. If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water. Stir it in for a nice, rich texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

Start by cutting your veggies. Slice four medium carrots into rounds. Dice three medium potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop one medium onion. Finally, mince three cloves of garlic. Next, cut two pounds of beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This beef will add rich flavor to your stew.

Sautéing in the Instant Pot

Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat. When hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides, which takes about five minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.

Mixing Ingredients and Pressure Cooking

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes until they smell great. Then, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and four cups of beef broth. Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried rosemary, and two bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 35 minutes.

Finishing Touches

After cooking, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for ten minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to Venting to let out any remaining steam. Remove the bay leaves from the stew. If you want a thicker stew, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this slurry into the stew. Let it simmer on Sauté mode until it thickens. For a pop of color, add one cup of frozen peas just before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew!

Variations

Different Meat Options

You can switch up the meat in this stew for a new taste. Try using beef round for a leaner cut. It cooks well and stays tender. Lamb is another great option. It adds a rich flavor that many love.

If you want a lighter dish, consider chicken. Use chicken thighs for best results. The stew will still be hearty and satisfying.

Vegetarian Version

Want to make it meat-free? You can use mushrooms or tofu as meat alternatives. They soak up flavors well and add texture.

You can also pack in more vegetables. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Using legumes like chickpeas or lentils boosts protein and fiber.

Flavor Variations

Want to spice things up? Add some chopped peppers for a kick. You can use jalapeños or bell peppers based on your taste.

Experiment with different herbs and spices. Try cumin for a warm flavor or smoked paprika for a bit of smokiness. Fresh herbs, like parsley, can brighten the dish too.

Pro Tips

  1. Choosing the Right Cut: For a tender and flavorful stew, use beef chuck. It has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become melt-in-your-mouth tender during cooking.
  2. Searing for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the beef enhances its flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.
  3. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add it to the stew before serving and let it simmer until thickened.
  4. Fresh Herbs for Aroma: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. It brightens the dish and enhances the aroma.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover beef stew, cool it to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh and prevents odors. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing your beef stew is easy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand when frozen. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge. For quick reheating, you can use the microwave or heat it on the stove until warm.

Meal Prep Ideas

Meal prep with beef stew is a breeze. Portion it into single servings for quick lunches or dinners. Pair your stew with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also add a side of rice or mashed potatoes to make it more filling. This way, you have delicious meals ready to go any day of the week!

FAQs

What is the cooking time for Instant Pot beef stew?

The total cooking time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This includes:

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes on high pressure
  • Natural release: 10 minutes

You can have a warm, comforting meal ready in just over an hour.

Can I make beef stew without browning the meat?

Yes, you can skip browning, but it changes the flavor. When you brown meat, you create a rich taste. This browning adds depth and a nice color to the stew. If you want the best flavor, I recommend browning the meat first.

What can I serve with Instant Pot beef stew?

You can pair beef stew with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas:

  • Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the stew.
  • Salad: A light green salad or a simple Caesar salad can balance the meal.
  • Vegetables: Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition.

These sides will make your meal more filling and enjoyable!

You learned how to make a delicious Instant Pot beef stew. We covered the main ingredients, seasonings, and even optional items. I guided you through each cooking step, from prep to finish. Tips helped you achieve a great texture and flavor balance. We explored variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Finally, you know how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Now you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal anytim

- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening The key to a great beef stew lies in its ingredients. I use beef chuck for its rich flavor. Cut it into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Next, I add fresh vegetables. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Onions and garlic bring depth to the stew. Beef broth forms the base of the stew. It provides moisture and enhances the beef flavor. Tomato paste adds a nice acidity and helps thicken the dish. For seasoning, I rely on dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. They infuse the stew with warm, earthy notes. I always use olive oil for sautéing. It adds a nice richness. Salt and pepper are essential, too. They enhance all the flavors in the stew. For a pop of color and sweetness, I sometimes add frozen peas. If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water. Stir it in for a nice, rich texture. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting your veggies. Slice four medium carrots into rounds. Dice three medium potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop one medium onion. Finally, mince three cloves of garlic. Next, cut two pounds of beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This beef will add rich flavor to your stew. Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat. When hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides, which takes about five minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes until they smell great. Then, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and four cups of beef broth. Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried rosemary, and two bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 35 minutes. After cooking, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for ten minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to Venting to let out any remaining steam. Remove the bay leaves from the stew. If you want a thicker stew, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this slurry into the stew. Let it simmer on Sauté mode until it thickens. For a pop of color, add one cup of frozen peas just before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew! You can switch up the meat in this stew for a new taste. Try using beef round for a leaner cut. It cooks well and stays tender. Lamb is another great option. It adds a rich flavor that many love. If you want a lighter dish, consider chicken. Use chicken thighs for best results. The stew will still be hearty and satisfying. Want to make it meat-free? You can use mushrooms or tofu as meat alternatives. They soak up flavors well and add texture. You can also pack in more vegetables. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Using legumes like chickpeas or lentils boosts protein and fiber. Want to spice things up? Add some chopped peppers for a kick. You can use jalapeños or bell peppers based on your taste. Experiment with different herbs and spices. Try cumin for a warm flavor or smoked paprika for a bit of smokiness. Fresh herbs, like parsley, can brighten the dish too. Pro Tips Choosing the Right Cut: For a tender and flavorful stew, use beef chuck. It has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become melt-in-your-mouth tender during cooking. Searing for Flavor: Don't skip the browning step! Searing the beef enhances its flavor and adds depth to the overall dish. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add it to the stew before serving and let it simmer until thickened. Fresh Herbs for Aroma: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. It brightens the dish and enhances the aroma. {{image_2}} To store leftover beef stew, cool it to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh and prevents odors. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing your beef stew is easy. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand when frozen. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge. For quick reheating, you can use the microwave or heat it on the stove until warm. Meal prep with beef stew is a breeze. Portion it into single servings for quick lunches or dinners. Pair your stew with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also add a side of rice or mashed potatoes to make it more filling. This way, you have delicious meals ready to go any day of the week! The total cooking time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This includes: - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 35 minutes on high pressure - Natural release: 10 minutes You can have a warm, comforting meal ready in just over an hour. Yes, you can skip browning, but it changes the flavor. When you brown meat, you create a rich taste. This browning adds depth and a nice color to the stew. If you want the best flavor, I recommend browning the meat first. You can pair beef stew with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the stew. - Salad: A light green salad or a simple Caesar salad can balance the meal. - Vegetables: Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition. These sides will make your meal more filling and enjoyable! You learned how to make a delicious Instant Pot beef stew. We covered the main ingredients, seasonings, and even optional items. I guided you through each cooking step, from prep to finish. Tips helped you achieve a great texture and flavor balance. We explored variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Finally, you know how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Now you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal anytime!

Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil to the pot and let it heat up.
  • Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides (about 5 minutes per batch). Remove browned beef and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot and add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
  • Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
  • Remove the bay leaves and, if desired, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew to thicken. Let it simmer on Sauté mode until thickened, if desired.
  • Stir in frozen peas just before serving for added color and flavor.

Notes

Optional ingredients can be adjusted based on preference.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, Instant Pot

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