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Here’s a list of what you need for this hearty Instant Pot beef stew: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh, quality ingredients makes a big difference. I love the rich flavors from the beef and herbs. Each item plays a key role in the stew's taste. The beef chuck gives a nice texture. The carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Worcestershire sauce brings umami, while thyme and rosemary add depth. Don't forget the garlic. It gives a wonderful aroma! You can adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you like a thicker stew, cornstarch is a great option. Just mix it well before adding. Garnishing with fresh parsley not only looks nice but adds a fresh flavor. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they promise a warm, comforting meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Searing the beef Begin by turning on your Instant Pot. Set it to the Sauté mode and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef cubes. Make sure not to crowd the pot. Sear the beef until it turns brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds great flavor! Once done, take the beef out and set it aside. Sautéing the onion and garlic In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. This brings a nice aroma to your stew. Adding carrots and potatoes Now it’s time to add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir them well with the onion and garlic. This helps the vegetables soak up all the flavors. Mixing in broth and seasonings Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together to combine the flavors. Setting the Instant Pot Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure. Natural and quick release process Once cooking is done, let the pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After that, switch the valve to Quick Release to let out any remaining steam. Be careful of the hot steam! Preparing a cornstarch slurry If you want a thicker stew, grab a small bowl. Mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot stew liquid. Stir until smooth. Final steps for thickening Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the pot. Use the Sauté function again for a few minutes. This will help your stew thicken nicely. Now, your hearty beef stew is ready to serve! Enjoy the rich flavors and warm comfort it brings. To get the best flavor, you should sear your beef. - Ensuring even browning: Use a hot Instant Pot. When the oil shimmers, add the beef. Sear each side for about 3 minutes. This step locks in juices. - Avoiding overcrowding: Do not add too much beef at once. Cook in batches. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of browning. Enhancing the taste of your stew is easy. - Suggestions for additional herbs and spices: You can add herbs like parsley or oregano. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice twist. - Other liquid options instead of broth: Try using red wine or tomato juice. These add depth to the flavor. Adjust cooking times for the best results. - Modifications for different beef cuts: If using a tougher cut, increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Cuts like brisket need extra time to become tender. - Tips for adjusting for high altitude: At high altitudes, add 5 more minutes to cooking time. This ensures the beef cooks perfectly. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Using beef chuck is ideal for stew as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked under pressure. Layering Flavors: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the beef and cooking the onions and garlic first adds depth to the stew. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition and color. Rest Before Serving: Let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste. {{image_2}} You can swap in many veggies for your beef stew. Try green beans, peas, or bell peppers. These add color and flavor. Frozen vegetables work well too. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. They heat up fast, so you don’t need to change the cooking time. If you want a low-carb stew, you can replace potatoes with cauliflower. Cauliflower will give you a similar texture. Also, use a low-sodium broth to keep the flavor strong. Cooking times stay the same, but check if the cauliflower is tender. To make this stew in a slow cooker, sear the beef first. Then, place all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This gives the flavors time to blend well. The slow cooker version is easy and still very tasty! To store your beef stew, let it cool down first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. I suggest using glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. These keep your stew fresh and tasty. Always label the container with the date so you know when you made it. If you want to freeze your beef stew, it’s easy! Just pour the cooled stew into freezer bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. It can stay fresh in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave until hot. Your beef stew is best eaten within three to four days when stored in the fridge. To keep it fresh, always store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Look for signs of spoilage like off smells or changes in color. If it smells funny or looks strange, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your tasty stew while it's at its best! It takes about 35 minutes to cook the beef stew in the Instant Pot. First, you need to sear the beef and sauté the veggies, which takes around 10-15 minutes. The pressure cooking part takes 35 minutes. Include a natural release for 10 minutes too. So, in total, it's about 1 hour from start to finish. Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it will need more time. When cooking from frozen, add about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to keep the beef in smaller pieces, as it helps to cook evenly. You can serve beef stew with many sides. Here are a few tasty options: - Fresh bread for dipping - Creamy mashed potatoes - Rice or quinoa - A simple green salad These sides add nice textures and flavors to your meal. To boost flavor, try these tips: - Add more herbs like bay leaves or parsley. - Use beef broth instead of water. - Include a splash of red wine for depth. - Experiment with spices like paprika or cumin. These changes can make a big difference. Yes, you can skip the cornstarch if you like a thinner stew. The stew will still taste great without it. If you want a rich texture, consider mashing some potatoes into the stew. This will naturally thicken it while adding flavor. This blog post covered all you need for a great beef stew. You learned the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for cooking. We also explored variations, storage options, and answered common questions. In the end, cooking can be fun and rewarding. With these tips, you can make delicious meals that warm your heart. Enjoy your beef stew!

Savory Instant Pot Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, mixing well with the onion and garlic.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook for 35 minutes on high pressure. Once completed, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  • If a thicker stew is desired, in a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot stew liquid to form a slurry. Stir this back into the pot and use the Sauté function for a few minutes to thicken.
  • Discard bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Optional thickening with cornstarch can be adjusted based on preference.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, instant pot