Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew

$- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups beef broth - 3 large carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) - 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening) Each ingredient plays a key role in making the beef stew rich and tasty. The beef chuck gives the stew its hearty base. Beef broth adds depth. Carrots and potatoes bring sweetness and texture. The onion and garlic provide a fragrant foundation. For seasonings, tomato paste adds a subtle richness. Thyme and smoked paprika deepen the flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds a unique kick. Olive oil helps brown the beef, sealing in flavor. Cornstarch and water create a thick, luscious stew if you prefer it that way. Gather these ingredients before starting. This way, you can cook smoothly and enjoy the process. Don’t forget to have fun! Cooking is about joy and creativity. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Seasoning and browning beef 1. Start by cutting 2 lbs of beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. 2. Season the beef with salt and pepper. 3. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 4. Once hot, add the beef. Brown all sides for 5-7 minutes. 5. Remove the browned beef and set it aside. - Sautéing onions and garlic 1. In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion. 2. Sauté until it turns translucent, about 3 minutes. 3. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. - Adding spices and broth 1. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. 2. If you like, add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. 3. Cook this mix for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors. 4. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. 5. Return the beef to the pot. Add 3 sliced carrots and 3 diced potatoes. - Pressure cooking 1. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to 'sealing'. 2. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. - Pressure release methods 1. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. 2. Then switch to quick release for any remaining steam. - Thickening the stew (optional) 1. If you want a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. 2. Stir this slurry into the stew. 3. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and simmer until it thickens. Serve your hearty beef stew in deep bowls, topped with fresh parsley. Enjoy! To make your beef stew even tastier, try adding some extra spices. You can use bay leaves or onion powder to boost the flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley add a lovely touch. Just chop them finely and stir them in right before serving. To avoid tough meat, choose well-marbled beef chuck. This cut has fat that helps keep the meat tender. Also, make sure not to rush the browning step. It adds depth to the flavor. For thickness, you have options. If you want a thicker stew, use cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you like a thinner stew, skip that step. Serve your beef stew in deep bowls. This makes it look inviting. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Pair the stew with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Using beef chuck is ideal for stews as it becomes tender and flavorful after long cooking. Avoid lean cuts, which can dry out. Layering Flavors: Sauté the onions and garlic before adding other ingredients to enhance the stew's flavor profile. This step builds a rich foundation. Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes helps retain moisture and tenderness in the beef, resulting in a better texture. Adjusting Thickness: For a thicker stew, create a cornstarch slurry. This method avoids clumping and ensures a smooth consistency. {{image_2}} You can switch up the root veggies in your stew. Instead of carrots and potatoes, try parsnips or turnips. These add a sweet touch. You can also mix in some greens, like spinach or kale. Adding greens boosts the stew’s nutrients and makes it vibrant. Want to change the protein? Use chicken or turkey instead of beef. Both meats cook well in the Instant Pot and absorb flavors nicely. For a vegetarian or vegan stew, skip the meat altogether. Use mushrooms for a meaty texture and add lentils or beans for protein. For a deeper taste, add red wine or beer to the broth. Both add rich flavors that complement the beef. You can also experiment with spice blends. Try adding Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a twist. These small changes can make your stew exciting and new. To store your beef stew, let it cool to room temperature first. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Storing it in the fridge works well. You can keep it there for up to three days. For the best taste and quality, try to eat it within this time. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some stew for later. First, let it cool completely before packing it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. Label them with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the stew in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to ensure it warms evenly. Both the microwave and stovetop work fine for reheating. The stovetop may give you better results for texture. No matter which method you choose, keep stirring. This helps heat it evenly. You want every spoonful to be warm and tasty. Enjoy your hearty beef stew again! The total cooking time is about 1 hour. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cooking Time: 35 minutes on high pressure - Pressure Release Time: 10 minutes naturally, then quick release This method saves time. You get tender beef and soft veggies in less than an hour. Yes, you can double the recipe. Just follow these tips: - Ingredients: Use 4 lbs of beef and double the veggies. - Broth: Increase to 8 cups of beef broth. - Cooking Time: Keep the cooking time the same, 35 minutes. The Instant Pot cooks evenly. Doubling won’t change the time needed. Beef stew is filling and tasty. Here are some great sides: - Side Dishes: - Crusty bread - Mashed potatoes - Green salad These pair well and balance the meal. - Beverage Pairings: - Red wine - Light beer - Sparkling water These drinks enhance the stew's flavors. Enjoy your meal! In this article, we explored how to make a hearty beef stew. We covered essential ingredients, seasonings, and cooking steps. You learned tips to enhance flavor and texture. We even discussed fun variations, storage, and reheating methods. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy creating your own delicious stew, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Each pot can be unique. Your perfect stew awaits!$

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

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups beef broth
3 large carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot on to the sauté mode. Add olive oil and let it heat up.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Combine everything well for about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the sliced carrots and diced potatoes.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the pressure valve is set to 'sealing'.
Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release for any remaining pressure.
If you prefer a thicker stew, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Notes

Serve the beef stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, Instant Pot