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To make a tasty Instant Pot beef stew, gather these main items: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil If you want a thicker stew, consider these optional ingredients: - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water The right seasonings make the stew shine. Here are my favorites: - Dried thyme adds a warm, earthy taste. - Dried rosemary brings a fresh, pine-like flavor. - Salt and pepper enhance all the other tastes. These ingredients combine to create a hearty and flavorful meal. With simple steps, you’ll enjoy a comforting dish that warms the soul. First, I turn on the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. I add the olive oil and let it heat for a minute. While the oil heats, I season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Then, I add the beef to the pot in batches. I brown each cube on all sides. This step helps lock in flavor. Once browned, I remove the beef and set it aside. Next, I use the same pot to cook the aromatics. I add the chopped onion and sauté for about three minutes. I wait until the onion softens. Then, I add the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This step fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Now, I deglaze the pot by stirring in the beef broth. I make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pot. This enhances the stew's flavor. I return the browned beef to the pot. Then, I add the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. I stir everything together to combine. I close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. I select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. After the cooking time, I let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, I switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. If I want a thicker stew, I mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. I select the Sauté setting again and stir in the slurry. I let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. Finally, I taste the stew and adjust the seasoning. I add more salt and pepper if needed. This step is key to making the flavor just right. Sautéing beef well makes your stew taste great. Start by cutting your beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and stays tender. Heat olive oil in your Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. Once hot, add the beef in batches. Avoid crowding the pot; it can steam the meat. Brown the beef on all sides. This step gives a rich flavor to your stew. After sautéing, don't skip deglazing. It adds depth to your stew. Pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pot. Those brown bits hold intense flavor. Stir well to mix all the goodness. This step makes sure your stew is not just good, but great! Watch out for these mistakes. First, don’t skip browning the beef. It’s key for flavor. Second, avoid adding too much liquid at once. You want a thick stew, not soup. Lastly, don’t rush the pressure release. Letting it release naturally for 10 minutes helps the flavors meld. Following these tips will help you make the best beef stew ever! {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this stew for different flavors. Try pork or chicken for a lighter dish. For a richer taste, you can use lamb. Just keep the cooking time the same. Each meat brings its own unique taste to the stew. Use veggies that are in season for the best flavor. In spring, add peas or asparagus. Summer is great for zucchini or green beans. In fall, use butternut squash or parsnips. In winter, root veggies like turnips or rutabaga work well. Feel free to mix and match what you have! If you want a meatless stew, you can easily replace the beef. Use mushrooms for a hearty base. Chickpeas or lentils can add protein and texture. For more flavor, add extra spices like cumin or paprika. This way, you still enjoy a warm and filling meal without meat. To keep your beef stew fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always label your container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. When you want to freeze beef stew, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The stew can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing. Reheat stew on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to avoid scorching. You can add a splash of broth if it seems thick. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to warm evenly. Always check the temperature before serving. Aim for at least 165°F for safety. You need to pressure cook beef stew for 35 minutes. This time ensures the beef becomes tender and full of flavor. After cooking, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, switch the valve to vent any remaining steam. Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just increase the cooking time by 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to check the beef for doneness after cooking. If it's not tender enough, you can always cook it a bit longer. You can serve beef stew with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the rich sauce and make the meal more satisfying. A fresh salad also adds a nice crunch and balances the dish. Yes, you can make beef stew without broth. Use water instead, but add more seasonings. You can also use wine or tomato juice for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to make up for the missing broth. To make your beef stew spicier, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicier sauce, like hot sauce or sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish. This blog post walked you through making a great beef stew. We reviewed key ingredients, with tips on thickening and seasoning. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and suggested variations. You also learned storage tips for leftovers and answers to common questions. Beef stew is versatile and can fit any table. I hope you enjoy creating your perfect version!

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Warm up your evenings with this savory Instant Pot beef stew that delivers hearty flavors in no time! This easy recipe features tender beef, carrots, and potatoes cooked to perfection, making it ideal for a comforting family dinner. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)

2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add the olive oil and heat for a minute. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add to the pot in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.

    Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

      Deglaze the Pot: Stir in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This enhances the flavor of the stew.

        Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

          Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.

            Release Pressure: After the cooking time is complete, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

              Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Select the Sauté setting again, and stir in the slurry. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

                Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the beef stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal!