Instant Pot Beef Stew

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of beef stew. Its hearty goodness warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect meal for chilly nights or when you need comfort food. Traditionally, making beef stew requires hours of simmering on the stove, but thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this classic dish in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. Let’s delve into the world of Instant Pot beef stew, exploring its history, the essential ingredients, and tips for making the most flavorful and satisfying stew.

The History of Beef Stew

Beef stew has a long and storied history, with variations in cuisines worldwide.

In Europe, beef stew has been a staple for generations. They have their famous Irish stew in Ireland, typically made with lamb. The celebrated “Boeuf Bourguignon” is a hearty beef stew simmered in red wine in France. In the United States, beef stew became popular during the early 20th century as a thrifty way to stretch meat and feed a family.

The Instant Pot, introduced in the early 2010s, revolutionized home cooking by combining slow and pressure cooking benefits in a single appliance. It significantly reduced the time to prepare dishes like beef stew while maintaining the rich flavors and tenderness from slow simmering.

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make Instant Pot beef stew so flavorful and satisfying:

1. Beef. The star of the show! Choose cuts like chuck roast or stewing meat, known for their marbling and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
2. Vegetables. Classic additions include carrots, onions, and potatoes, but you can also experiment with celery, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
3. Broth. A rich beef broth forms the base of the stew. You can use store-bought or make your own for a more personalized flavor.
4. Aromatics. Garlic and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add depth and complexity to the stew’s flavor profile.
5. Seasonings. Salt, pepper, and sometimes a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce enhance the overall taste.
6. Thickener (optional). Some recipes call for a roux (butter and flour mixture) or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew’s consistency.

The Instant Pot Advantage

The Instant Pot offers several advantages when it comes to making beef stew:

• Time-Saving: Unlike traditional stovetop cooking, the Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time, turning a slow-cooked dish into a quick weeknight meal.
• Flavor Retention: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function seals in flavors and keeps the stew moist and tender, replicating the long-simmered taste without the long wait.
• One-Pot Wonder: With an Instant Pot, you can sauté your ingredients, pressure cook the stew, and even keep it warm—all in one appliance. This minimizes cleanup and saves you time.
• Versatility: The Instant Pot allows you to experiment with different settings, such as slow cooking or sautéing, to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor for your beef stew.

Tips for Making the Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew

Now that you’re familiar with the essentials let’s delve into some expert tips for crafting a mouthwatering Instant Pot beef stew:

1. Searing the Meat: Before pressure cooking, sear the beef chunks in the Instant Pot to lock in their juices and develop a rich, browned flavor. This step is crucial for a flavorful stew.
2. Layering Flavors: When sautéing vegetables and aromatics, let them develop a deep flavor before adding the broth and beef. This layering of flavors enhances the overall taste.
3. Deglazing: After searing the meat, deglaze the pot by adding a bit of broth or wine. Scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot to infuse the stew with extra depth.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overloading your Instant Pot with ingredients. Leave some space to ensure proper circulation and even cooking.
5. Release pressure Safely: When it’s time to release the pressure after cooking, use the natural release method for a few minutes before switching to quick release. This prevents the stew from splattering and ensures a controlled release of steam.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste your stew after cooking and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can make all the difference.
7. Customize Your Stew: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your beef stew. Add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different herbs, or even try a different protein like lamb or chicken.

Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting to explore its potential, this dish won’t disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to savor the comforting warmth and flavors of a well-crafted beef stew.

Other Stews and Soups you might enjoy!

Hearty Southern Italian Stew
Chicken Noodle Soup
Taco Soup
Easy Tomato Soup
Simple Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

Let’s make some beef stew!

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Instant Pot Beef Stew

Delicious Instant Pot beef stew, ready in no time! Tender beef, hearty veggies, and rich flavors in one bowl.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Course: Dinner

Servings: 6 People

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going to sleep

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Knives
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 lbs beef stew meat
• 3 medium russet potates, cubed
• 4 cups baby carrots
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3-1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp oil
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

• Set the instant pot to sauté and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meat. Sauté for 5 minutes to brown the outside of the meat.
• Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes.
• Add the broth to deglaze the instant pot liner, and then add the cubed potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, and spices. Close the lid and seal the pressure valve. Cook on high for 30 minutes.
• Manually release pressure when finished.
• Mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. Stir slurry into the hot stew to thicken.

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The Instant Pot has genuinely transformed the way we prepare classic dishes like beef stew, making them accessible for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike. It’s earned its place as a beloved kitchen appliance.

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