Beef stew is one of those heartwarming dishes that brings comfort and satisfaction, especially on chilly days. The Instant Pot elevates this classic favorite, offering a quick and easy version that does not skimp on flavor. With tender pieces of beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich broth, this Instant Pot beef stew is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, allowing you to prepare hearty meals in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This beef stew recipe shines because it melds flavors beautifully in a matter of minutes while keeping the beef tender and juicy. You can come home from a busy day and have a warming meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the ease of cleanup with just one pot makes it even more appealing!
Ingredients about Instant Pot Beef Stew
To create the perfect Instant Pot beef stew, you will need the following:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Directions
Making your Instant Pot beef stew is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how to put it all together:
- Sauté the Beef: Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, place the beef stew meat in the pot. You want to brown the meat on all sides to build flavor. This step should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Once your beef is browned, it’s time to add some flavor. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring them into the pot. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Incorporate the Paste and Season: Now, you’ll want to add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to get a little thicker, which should take around 2 minutes.
- Combine with Broth and Veggies: Pour the beef broth into the pot. This will deglaze the bottom, lifting all those tasty bits stuck to the pot. After that, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, stirring gently to combine everything.
- Pressure Cook the Stew: Close the Instant Pot lid tightly and set it to ‘Manual’ mode. Select a cook time of 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, you’ll let it release naturally for 10 minutes. After that, quick release any remaining pressure to safely open the lid.
- Serve Your Masterpiece: Carefully ladle the beef stew into bowls. It’s best enjoyed hot, where the flavors can shine through. Dig in and savor each comforting bite!
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew
Serving your Instant Pot beef stew is simple yet satisfying. You can ladle it into bowls and pair it with fresh crusty bread, which is great for soaking up that rich broth. If you’re looking for something lighter, consider a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty stew. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an added pop of flavor and color. You can also offer some crackers or a warm roll on the side for a comforting meal experience.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Beef Stew
To elevate your beef stew even further, here are some expert tips:
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Opt for tougher cuts of beef like chuck roast, which turn into tender bites after cooking. The collagen breaks down nicely under pressure.
- Brown the Meat Properly: Take the time to brown your meat well. This step adds a depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Think About Seasoning: Don’t be shy with your seasonings. This stew can take various spices, so feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or bay leaves according to your preference.
- Don’t Forget the Vegetables: Keep your vegetable sizes uniform to ensure even cooking. You can also play with the types of vegetables you add.
- Adjust Consistency if Needed: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a bit of water and stirring it in after the pressure cooking. Let it simmer on ‘Sauté’ mode until thickened.
How to Store Instant Pot Beef Stew
Storing leftover beef stew is easy and convenient. Allow the stew to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing portioned stews in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to label them with the date for reference. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if it seems too thick.
Variation of Instant Pot Beef Stew
While the classic beef stew is beloved, feel free to modify it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Add Different Vegetables: Instead of the standard carrots and potatoes, try incorporating sweet potatoes, parsnips, or green beans for a twist on the flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbal Infusion: Swap out dried thyme for fresh herbs or add a bay leaf during cooking for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Low-Sodium Options: For a healthier take, use low-sodium beef broth and add more fresh ingredients, giving you greater control over the salt level in your dish.
- Vegetarian Twist: If you’d like to try a meatless stew, replace the beef with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still have a filling and flavorful meal!
FAQ
What is the cook time for Instant Pot beef stew?
Typically, you will cook the stew on ‘Manual’ mode for 35 minutes. Be sure to allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes afterward.
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat! Just note that the cooking time may increase slightly due to the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef is tender when it easily falls apart with a fork or knife and has lost its chewy texture.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or use water combined with a bouillon cube for flavor.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the stew ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld!
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces Opt for tougher cuts like chuck roast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For browning the meat.
- 3 cups beef broth Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 4 carrots, sliced Ensure uniform size for even cooking.
- 4 potatoes, diced Feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes or other vegetables.
- 1 onion, chopped Adds flavor to the stew.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens and enriches the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Can substitute with fresh herbs.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season generously.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Brown the beef stew meat in the pot for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning until all sides are browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until combined.
- Pour in the beef broth, deglazing the bottom of the pot, then add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes.
Cooking
- Close the Instant Pot lid tight and set it to ‘Manual’ mode. Select a cook time of 35 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Serving
- Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!