Beef Stew: Instant Pot Recipe for a Flavorful, Fall-Apart Tender Meal
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe! This recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef and melt-in-your-mouth vegetables in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe is a true winner.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Beef Stew?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to beef stew. Its pressure cooking capabilities significantly reduce cooking time, resulting in fall-apart tender beef without sacrificing flavor. You'll get all the richness and depth of flavor you expect from a slow-cooked stew, but much faster! Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast or bottom round work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor – you can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, added at the end)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornstarch slurry (optional, for thickening the stew – 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds a significant amount of flavor. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Build the Stew
Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Peas
Carefully open the lid and add the cubed potatoes. Stir to combine. If you're using a cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew, add it now, stirring constantly. Close the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes on high pressure. Allow for a natural pressure release again.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in the frozen peas (or fresh peas during the last few minutes of cooking). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the perfect comforting meal.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the beef in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the beef, the better the stew!
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the size and cut of your beef, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Always check for tenderness.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips.
- Leftovers are great!: This stew tastes even better the next day!
This Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Its ease of preparation, rich flavor, and tender beef make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy!
