Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe: A Hearty and Convenient Comfort Meal

Beef stew is a classic, comforting dish that has stood the test of time. With its rich, savory broth, tender chunks of beef, and a medley of vegetables, it’s the perfect meal for a cold day or whenever you’re craving a wholesome, filling dinner. While traditional beef stew recipes require slow cooking for hours to tenderize the meat and develop deep flavors, the Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe gives you the same delicious results in a fraction of the time.

Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can achieve melt-in-your-mouth beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or new to the game, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs. beef stew meat (chuck roast or any other stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium or regular)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions for Making Instant Pot Beef Stew

1. Brown the Beef

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the beef stew meat in batches (so the pieces brown rather than steam). Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits from the beef. This adds great flavor to the stew.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Add the beef broth to the pot to deglaze it, stirring to ensure that any stuck-on bits are incorporated into the liquid. This is key for building flavor!

4. Add the Remaining Ingredients

Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot along with the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

5. Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the Sealing position. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) mode and set the timer for 35 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

6. Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing the flour (or cornstarch) with a small amount of water. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode, and stir the slurry into the stew. Let the stew cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once the stew is thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hearty beef stew into bowls and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or biscuits for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew

1. Choosing the Right Beef: For the most tender stew, opt for a cut of beef that is well-suited for slow cooking, like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts break down beautifully during pressure cooking, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
2. Add More Vegetables: If you like, you can add additional vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, peas, or green beans. Just be mindful of the cooking time for different veggies—potatoes and carrots hold up well under pressure.
3. Thicken the Broth to Your Liking: The natural release of pressure will help thicken the broth slightly, but if you prefer an even thicker stew, use a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch and water as mentioned above.
4. For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar along with the broth to deepen the flavor profile. The acidity balances out the richness of the beef.
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