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For a hearty beef stew, you need these main ingredients: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 carrots, sliced - 3 potatoes, diced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas These ingredients create a rich, flavorful base for your stew. You can add some optional ingredients for extra flavor and texture: - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening) - Fresh parsley for garnish These add-ons make your stew even more delightful. Seasoning is key to a great beef stew. Use: - Dried thyme: It brings a warm, earthy flavor. - Paprika: This adds a slight sweetness and color. - Bay leaf: It infuses a subtle depth. Salt and pepper are essential. Adjust them to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Let it heat up for a minute. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to brown on all sides. This step adds great flavor to your stew. When browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, keep the heat on. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it's done when the onion looks translucent. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute until it smells amazing. This mix sets a solid base for your stew. Now it's time to bring everything together. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add 4 sliced carrots, 3 diced potatoes, and 2 cups of beef broth. Don't forget 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine. Close the lid and set the steam release handle to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. After cooking, wait 10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Once you open the lid, give it a good stir. Add 1 cup of frozen peas for color and sweetness. Want a thicker stew? Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook on sauté for a few more minutes. This step thickens the stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. Your hearty beef stew is now ready to enjoy! To get great flavor in your beef stew, start with fresh ingredients. Use high-quality beef chuck for the best taste. Searing the beef first adds depth. Cook it until it’s brown on all sides. This step will bring out the natural flavors. When you sauté the onion and garlic, let them soften well. This builds a rich base for your stew. Don't skip the herbs! Thyme and bay leaf add wonderful aroma. Finally, adjust salt and pepper to your liking for a balanced dish. If you want a thicker stew, cornstarch works great. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew just before serving. Cook it on the sauté setting for a few minutes. This will help it thicken nicely. You can also mash a few potatoes in the stew. They break down and add creaminess without extra steps. The Instant Pot saves time, but you can make it quicker. Chop your veggies and meat ahead of time. This means less prep when you cook. Use the sauté feature to brown the meat and veggies. It speeds up the cooking process. You can also skip the browning, but the flavor will be less rich. Lastly, let the Instant Pot do the work. Once it’s done, let it release pressure naturally for the best results. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Beef chuck is ideal for stews as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out during cooking. Layering Flavors: Sautéing the beef and vegetables before pressure cooking enhances the depth of flavor in your stew. Don’t skip this step! Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry before adding it to the pot. This prevents clumps and ensures a smooth texture. Let It Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. {{image_2}} You can change the cut of beef to suit your taste. Beef chuck is great for stew. It cooks down well and stays tender. If you want a leaner option, try sirloin. It has less fat but can still be juicy. Brisket is another option. It adds a rich flavor. Each cut gives a different taste and texture. Adding veggies can make your stew even better. You can toss in celery for crunch. Mushrooms add earthiness and soak up flavors. Zucchini is a great choice, too! Just cut it into chunks. You can also use green beans for a splash of color. Feel free to mix and match your favorites. More veggies mean more nutrients! Switching up your seasonings can create new flavors. Instead of thyme, try rosemary for a woodsy taste. A splash of soy sauce can deepen the flavor. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. Experiment with herbs and spices to find your ideal mix! After you enjoy your beef stew, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge. This stew will last about three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. To reheat the stew, pour it into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it's hot all the way through. If you want to freeze the stew, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top. Liquid expands when frozen. You can keep the stew in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can skip browning the meat. It saves time, but browning adds flavor. When you sauté the beef first, it creates a nice crust. This crust deepens the taste of the stew. If you choose not to brown, just add all the ingredients at once. The stew will still be good, but it may taste a bit different. Beef stew can last up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to cool the stew before placing it in the fridge. This helps prevent bacteria growth. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Beef stew pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Mashed potatoes for a creamy touch - Rice for a filling meal - A fresh green salad for crunch These sides complement the rich flavors of the stew and make the meal more enjoyable. This blog post covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for beef stew. I shared how to enhance flavor and save time with tools like the Instant Pot. You can try different cuts of beef and add veggies for fun variations. Remember, storage is key for leftovers, and reheating is simple. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty and warm meal anytime. Beef stew is versatile, easy, and a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew

A comforting and flavorful beef stew made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a hearty meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 units carrots, sliced
  • 3 units potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 unit bay leaf
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • for garnish unit fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Once hot, add olive oil and the beef cubes, searing them until they are browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Return the beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Close the lid on the Instant Pot and set the steam release handle to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid and stir in the frozen peas. If you desire a thicker stew, you can mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and cook on the sauté setting for a few additional minutes until thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Serve the stew in deep bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and accompanied by a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, Instant Pot