Instant Pot Beef Stew: The Ultimate Guide to Easy & Delicious Stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew: the words alone conjure up images of hearty, comforting warmth on a chilly evening, don’t they? Forget spending hours hovering over the stove! This recipe delivers that classic, rich flavor you crave in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Beef stew, in its many forms, has been a culinary staple for centuries. From humble peasant fare to elegant dishes served in royal courts, the concept of slow-cooked meat and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth transcends cultures and social classes. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly special.

But what is it about beef stew that makes it such a beloved dish? Is it the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef? The perfectly cooked vegetables that retain their individual flavors while contributing to the overall symphony of taste? Or perhaps it’s the deeply savory broth, infused with herbs and spices, that warms you from the inside out? I think it’s all of the above! And let’s be honest, the convenience of a one-pot meal that practically cooks itself is a major draw, especially on busy weeknights. This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe takes all of that goodness and amplifies it, making it easier than ever to enjoy this timeless classic. Get ready to experience beef stew bliss!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended!)
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables:

1. First, we need to get our beef ready. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps them brown nicely. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Now, turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it. Brown the beef on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the browned beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
3. With the beef out of the pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step really wakes up the flavors!

Pressure Cooking the Stew:

1. Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, called fond, add a ton of flavor to the stew.
2. Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Make sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and halved baby potatoes to the pot.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the steam!

Finishing the Stew:

1. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. The stew should look and smell amazing!
2. Stir in the frozen peas. The residual heat will cook them perfectly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the stew.
4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the Instant Pot and stir well. Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function and let the stew simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serving:

1. Ladle the Instant Pot Beef Stew into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Browning the Beef: Don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much flavor to the stew. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the stew won’t be quite as rich.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as bay leaf or fresh thyme.
• Wine: If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a little heat.
• Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more cornstarch slurry. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes to thicken the stew naturally.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

Why This Recipe Works:

This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Flavor: The combination of browned beef, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and red wine creates a deeply flavorful and satisfying stew.
• Convenience: The Instant Pot makes this stew quick and easy to prepare. It significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods.
• Tender Beef: The pressure cooking process ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and melts in your mouth.
• Versatility: This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences. You can add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique version.
• One-Pot Meal: This stew is a complete and balanced meal in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Troubleshooting:

• Stew is too thin: If your stew is not thick enough, you can add more cornstarch slurry or mash some of the potatoes. You can also simmer the stew on the “Sauté” function for a longer period of time to allow the sauce to reduce.
• Beef is not tender enough: If your beef is not as tender as you would like, you can cook it for a longer period of time. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Stew is too salty: If your stew is too salty, you can add a little bit of water or beef broth to dilute the saltiness. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Instant Pot is giving a “Burn” warning: This can happen if there is not enough liquid in the pot or if food is stuck to the bottom. Stop the cooking process, release the pressure, and add more liquid. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot before resuming cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Mashed Potatoes: Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
• Rice: Serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Biscuits: Serve with warm biscuits for a classic comfort food combination.
• Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

Make-Ahead Tips:

This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the stew a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time. Simply reheat the stew before serving.

Freezing Instructions:

This stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Enjoy Your Delicious Instant Pot Beef Stew!

Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Beef Stew isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a symphony of savory flavors that will warm you from the inside out. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy meal. The tender beef, the perfectly cooked vegetables, and the rich, deeply flavorful broth all come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Forget spending hours simmering on the stovetop; the Instant Pot magic transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness in a fraction of the time.

Why is this Instant Pot Beef Stew a game-changer? Because it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also fantastic for weekend gatherings, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time slaving over the stove. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! This stew is incredibly versatile. Serve it piping hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a classic presentation. For a heartier meal, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth!

Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Add some parsnips or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. A handful of pearl barley or quinoa can add extra texture and heartiness. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a richer flavor, try using bone-in beef chuck or adding a splash of red wine during the browning process. You can even add a bay leaf or two for an extra layer of aromatic complexity. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your culinary adventures with this incredible Instant Pot Beef Stew. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I am sure that you will find that it is a great way to make a delicious and hearty meal for your family and friends.

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