If you're looking for a hearty, savory meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly, Instant Pot beef stew is the answer. With the convenience of a pressure cooker, you can enjoy tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth in a fraction of the time it usually takes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Instant Pot beef stew, from the ingredient list to cooking tips, serving ideas, and more. Stick around for all the details and expert tips to make your stew delicious every time!
What is Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Instant Pot beef stew is a classic comfort food, transformed into an easy-to-make, fast-cooking dish using the magic of pressure cooking. The stew combines tender chunks of beef, vegetables, herbs, and broth to create a hearty and filling meal. Traditionally, beef stew requires hours of slow cooking to achieve the right texture and flavor. However, with the Instant Pot, you can cut that time down significantly without sacrificing any of the depth or richness.
Ingredients List for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional, flavorful Instant Pot beef stew:
Beef:
- 2 lbs of chuck roast or stew beef (cut into bite-sized chunks): Chuck roast is preferred for its marbling, which leads to tender, juicy beef.
Vegetables:
- 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2-3 potatoes (cut into chunks, Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
Aromatics and Seasoning:
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Liquids:
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 cup red wine or additional beef broth (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness)
Thickening agents:
- 2 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (to thicken the stew, mixed with a little water to form a slurry)
Optional:
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness)
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your Instant Pot beef stew to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Beef Alternatives: If you don’t eat beef, you can substitute it with lamb, pork, or even chicken thighs. Keep in mind, cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you use.
- Vegetables: You can get creative with the vegetables by adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or even turnips for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: To make the stew gluten-free, swap out the flour for cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour to thicken the broth.
- Wine-Free: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can simply replace the red wine with extra beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make this cozy, mouthwatering Instant Pot beef stew from start to finish:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat a tablespoon of oil.
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches to brown the meat on all sides. This step helps lock in the juices and adds flavor to the stew.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Once the beef is browned, remove it and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
- Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute to develop its flavor.
- Pour in the red wine (or extra broth) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze. This step lifts any stuck-on bits, adding even more flavor to your stew.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with the potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and beef broth.
- Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
- Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 35 minutes.
- After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew
- Once the pressure has been released, open the lid and remove the bay leaves.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the flour or cornstarch slurry and turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Let the stew simmer for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For added texture and color, stir in frozen peas just before serving.
How to Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the ingredients: Chop all vegetables, mince the garlic, and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the beef: Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Sauté the aromatics and deglaze the pot: Sauté the onions, celery, and carrots, then deglaze with tomato paste and wine.
- Pressure cook: Add the beef back in, along with potatoes, herbs, and broth, and pressure cook for 35 minutes.
- Thicken the stew: Use a slurry to thicken the stew if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Instant Pot beef stew is fairly simple to make, a few common mistakes can result in less-than-perfect results. Here’s what to avoid:
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the meat adds a ton of flavor and should not be skipped. It also helps the meat stay juicy.
- Overcrowding the Instant Pot: Browning the beef in batches ensures even browning. Crowding the pot will steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Not using enough seasoning: The beef and vegetables can handle a lot of seasoning. Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Releasing the pressure too soon: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for at least 10-15 minutes ensures the beef stays tender.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Instant Pot beef stew is a meal in itself, but there are a few ways to enhance the experience:
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Serve your beef stew in deep bowls, allowing the broth to surround the tender meat and vegetables. You can pair it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even over rice for a complete meal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Use a rustic wooden board to serve the bread on the side, alongside small bowls of butter or olive oil for dipping.
- If you're serving this dish for a special occasion, ladle the stew into individual crocks or bowls and top each with a small sprig of rosemary for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Tips
- Choosing the right beef: Use a well-marbled chuck roast for the best texture and flavor. It becomes incredibly tender after pressure cooking.
- Cutting vegetables evenly: Make sure the potatoes, carrots, and celery are cut into even pieces so they cook evenly.
- Layering flavors: Deglazing the pot and adding herbs at the right time is crucial for building flavor.
- Adjusting liquid levels: If you want a thicker or thinner stew, adjust the amount of broth you add accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the pressure cooking time, and keep in mind that the meat may not brown as well.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors of beef stew deepen with time. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting or on the stovetop.
3. Can I freeze Instant Pot beef stew?
Yes! Beef stew freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. How do I prevent my vegetables from turning mushy?
To prevent mushy vegetables, avoid cutting them too small. Potatoes and carrots should be cut into larger chunks so they retain their texture.
5. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, lamb, pork, or chicken thighs can be used instead of beef, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Conclusion
Instant Pot beef stew is the perfect solution for those days when you crave a home-cooked, comforting meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. With the right ingredients, proper technique, and a few expert tips, you can create a stew that is rich in flavor, tender, and satisfying. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twists, this versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and enjoy a bowl of hearty beef stew tonight!
PrintInstant Pot Beef Stew
Enjoy a flavorful and comforting Instant Pot beef stew packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth. This quick and easy recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, all thanks to the Instant Pot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil. Brown the beef in batches, then remove.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in tomato paste.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and add the browned beef, carrots, and potatoes.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
- Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the stew, using the sauté setting to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove bay leaf, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for added variety.
- Adjust the liquid for desired consistency; more broth for a soupier stew, less for thicker results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
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