We all know that feeling when the weather turns colder, and suddenly your kitchen starts to smell like heaven. That’s right; it’s time for an Instant Pot Beef Stew! Picture tender chunks of beef swimming in a rich broth filled with carrots and potatoes. The aroma wafts through the air like a cozy hug on a chilly day. It feels like the universe is giving you a gentle nudge to gather around the table with loved ones.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen beef for Instant Pot Beef Stew?
- How long does Instant Pot Beef Stew take to cook?
- What can I serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Speaking of gathering, I can’t help but reminisce about that one time my family challenged each other to create the ultimate comfort dish. Spoiler alert: my Instant Pot Beef Stew blew them all away! Not just because it tasted amazing but because it brought us all together over laughter and seconds (or thirds) at dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Beef Stew is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- The blend of tender meat and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish that’s visually appealing and comforting.
- You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!
Every time I make this stew, it’s like I’m winning the family cooking Olympics. Just last week, I served it during our monthly game night; let’s just say no one was too full for dessert afterward!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for stews due to its marbling; it becomes tender as it cooks.
- Carrots: Choose vibrant orange carrots; they add sweetness and color.
- Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes; they hold their shape beautifully during cooking.
- Onions: Sweet onions bring out the flavors without overpowering the dish; chop finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential to infuse that delightful aroma throughout your stew.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still providing rich flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness; don’t skip this ingredient if you want flavor fireworks!
- Bay Leaves: Just two leaves will elevate your stew’s taste profile significantly.
- Dried Thyme & Rosemary: These herbs complement the beef nicely; fresh herbs can be used if available!
- Pearl Barley (optional): For added heartiness, throw in some pearl barley—it’s nutritious and filling!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Gather Your Supplies :Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting. You will need an Instant Pot, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and measuring cups. Prepping everything in advance makes cooking smooth sailing.
Sauté the Aromatics :Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, add a splash of oil followed by chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant—about 2 minutes—until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.
Brown the Beef :Add cubed beef chuck roast into the pot in batches, browning each piece on all sides. This step takes about 5 minutes per batch but builds layers of flavor that make your stew sing!
Add Vegetables & Seasonings :Once you’ve browned the meat, toss in chopped carrots and potatoes along with tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and some salt & pepper. Stir everything together so each ingredient gets acquainted.
Pour in Broth :Carefully pour in beef broth until everything is submerged—about 4 cups should do! Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon; these bits are pure gold!
Pressure Cook :Seal your Instant Pot lid securely and set it to high pressure for 35 minutes. Don’t forget to allow natural release afterward for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Serve & Enjoy :Remove bay leaves before serving up generous bowls of this hearty stew! Pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice or noodles if you’re feeling extra fancy.
As you ladle this comforting concoction into bowls, revel in those delightful aromas that dance around your kitchen like little culinary fairies!
This recipe not only fills bellies but warms hearts—perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a pick-me-up!
You Must Know
- Searing the beef adds depth of flavor and richness to your Instant Pot Beef Stew.
- Always use fresh herbs for a vibrant aroma; they make a world of difference in flavor.
- Let your stew rest before serving to enhance flavors.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the beef for maximum flavor, then add vegetables and broth before pressure cooking for tender results. This sequence allows all ingredients to blend beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out root vegetables or add a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost. Your creativity can turn this stew into something uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain its rich flavors and textures.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, always cut your beef into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t rush the natural release of pressure; it enhances tenderness.
- Adding a splash of vinegar brightens flavors beautifully, elevating your stew to gourmet status.
Memories flood back when I think about my first attempt at making this stew. Friends raved, and I felt like a culinary genius!
FAQ
Can I use frozen beef for Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef; just increase cooking time by about 10 minutes.
How long does Instant Pot Beef Stew take to cook?
Pressure cooking takes about 35-40 minutes, plus time for pressure release.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with this hearty dish.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Instant Pot Beef Stew is a cozy, nourishing dish brimming with tender meat and fresh vegetables, perfect for warming up chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
- 4 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup pearl barley (optional)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat a splash of oil and add onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Add cubed beef in batches, browning each piece on all sides (about 5 minutes per batch).
- Stir in carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth until all ingredients are submerged.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, ensure to brown the beef thoroughly.
- Swap out root vegetables or add a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick.
- Let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
