Instant Pot Beef Stew

$- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced - 2 cups rich beef broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste In this recipe, beef chuck is the star. It offers great flavor and tenderness when cooked. You will want to cut it into cubes about one inch big. This helps the beef cook evenly and become tender. The vegetables are key too. Use onion and garlic for depth. They add sweetness and aroma. Carrots give color and a slight crunch. Potatoes add heartiness and soak up all the tasty broth. Broth brings the stew to life. Use rich beef broth for a deep flavor. Diced tomatoes add a nice tang and help with texture. The Worcestershire sauce gives a savory kick. Herbs like thyme and rosemary add warmth to the dish. - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Cornstarch is great for thickening. If you like a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with broth to make a slurry. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh touch. Always a nice way to finish your stew! - Instant Pot - Cutting board and knife - Measuring cups and spoons An Instant Pot is essential here. It speeds up cooking and locks in flavors. A cutting board and knife help with prep work. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts. These tools make your cooking smooth and fun! To start, set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up for about one minute. Next, cut your beef chuck into one-inch cubes. It is key to work in batches. If you add too much beef at once, it won’t brown well. Brown the beef cubes for about five to seven minutes on all sides. This step adds deep flavor to your stew. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate. Using the same pot, add one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for two to three minutes. You want the onion to become soft and see-through. While cooking, scrape up any brown bits from the pot. These bits pack a lot of flavors. They are the secret to a rich tasting stew. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add four chopped carrots and three diced potatoes. Pour in two cups of beef broth and one cup of diced tomatoes. Don’t forget one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried rosemary, and two bay leaves. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well so the flavors mix. Close the lid and set the steam release valve to Sealing. Choose the Manual setting and set the timer for 35 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is important. It helps the stew finish cooking and become more tender. Once ready, carefully switch the valve to Venting to let out any remaining steam. If you like a thicker stew, here’s what to do. First, scoop out one cup of broth from the pot. Mix it with one tablespoon of cornstarch to make a slurry. Then stir this back into the pot. Turn on the Sauté function again and cook for about five more minutes. Keep stirring until the stew reaches your desired thickness. Once done, take out the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot stew into bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. To make your stew even tastier, you can add more herbs and spices. Here are some great options: - Parsley: Adds freshness. - Bay leaves: Deepens the flavor. - Paprika: Gives a subtle kick. - Thyme and rosemary: Classic choices for beef. Always taste your stew as it cooks. This helps you adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your liking. More seasoning can bring out the flavors in your dish. Different cuts of beef require different cook times. For example, beef chuck is best for stews. It becomes tender in about 35 minutes. If you use a leaner cut, like sirloin, reduce the cook time to around 25 minutes. The Instant Pot makes stews easy. It cooks food quickly and locks in flavors. You can start with browning meat, then add all ingredients and let it work its magic. This saves you time and effort. Sometimes your stew might be too thick. If so, add more broth or water. Stir it well and heat for a few minutes. If your stew is too thin, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the pot and cook for a few more minutes. This will help thicken it up. After cooking, you may want to adjust flavors. Taste the stew and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap beef for lamb or turkey. They both add unique flavors. If you want a lighter stew, turkey is a great choice. For a richer taste, lamb works well. You can also change the veggies based on what you have. Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. You can add parsnips or turnips for more depth. If you want a veggie stew, use mushrooms or beans instead of meat. If you prefer using a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe. Brown the beef in a pan first. Then, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For stovetop cooking, brown the beef in a pot. Add the onions and cook them. Then, stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This method takes longer but gives great flavor. To change the taste, try adding different sauces or spices. A splash of red wine can deepen the flavor. Soy sauce can add a savory touch, perfect for an Asian twist. You can also try herbs like oregano or basil for a different vibe. Use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. These small changes can make your stew feel new and exciting. To keep your beef stew fresh, store it in airtight containers. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Make sure the stew cools down to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid moisture buildup inside the container. Freeze leftovers if you won’t eat them in a few days. Use freezer-safe bags for easy storage. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheat your stew safely. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the stew in a bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. On the stovetop, warm it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. To maintain flavor and texture, add a splash of broth if needed. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts about 3-4 days. For the freezer, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it. Keep your meals safe and tasty! Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to brown it well. If the beef is frozen in a block, you might need to cut it into smaller pieces while cooking. This will help it cook evenly. Cooking times may slightly increase. Keep an eye on it to ensure it's tender. To make a smaller serving, simply cut the amounts in half. Use 1 lb of beef. Adjust the vegetables and broth accordingly. If you want to keep flavor strong, use the same amount of seasoning. This helps keep the taste rich. I love serving this stew with crusty bread. It soaks up the rich broth. You can also serve it with a simple salad. A green salad adds freshness. Mashed potatoes work great too for a hearty meal. To make it gluten-free, swap Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version. You can also use tamari. For thickening, use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Both options work well to keep your stew thick and tasty. Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just let it cool first before storing. You can also freeze it for later. Reheat it slowly for the best taste. This blog post covered all you need to make a great Instant Pot beef stew. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You can adjust flavors, try new ingredients, and even swap cooking methods. Remember, your stew can be a blank canvas. With these tools and tips, you can create a delicious meal. Embrace your inner chef and enjoy the process!$

Warm up your evenings with this Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew that's bursting with flavor! This comforting dish features tender beef, vibrant veggies, and aromatic herbs all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. In just one hour, you can serve a delicious meal that will satisfy your family and friends. Ready to try this easy recipe? Click through to explore how to create the ultimate cozy stew tonight!

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Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 cups rich beef broth

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Beef: Start your Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the beef cubes. Brown them thoroughly on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside on a plate.

Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and aromatic, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for enhanced flavor.

Combine Other Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaves. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together so all ingredients are well combined.

Pressure Cook: Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the steam release valve is set to the Sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook for 35 minutes.

Natural Release: After the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes. After this time, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

Thicken the Stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, ladle out 1 cup of broth from the pot and mix it with the cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this mixture back into the pot. Activate the Sauté function once more and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often, until the stew has thickened to your liking.

Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the warm, hearty stew into bowls and finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: Approximately 1 hour | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing serving, consider using rustic bowls and layering the stew with a sprinkle of additional parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread on the side for an inviting meal.