Are you craving a hearty and comforting meal that can be prepared in a flash? Look no further than this recipe for Instant Pot Beef Stew! With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying stew that will warm your soul on a chilly day. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating this mouthwatering dish, providing you with tips and tricks along the way. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Instant Pot Beef Stew:
1.5 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups of beef broth
1 cup of red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare Your Instant Pot
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare your Instant Pot. Follow these steps:
1. Plug in your Instant Pot and ensure the inner pot is clean and dry.
2. Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot and adjust it to the “More” setting. This will allow you to brown the beef before pressure cooking.
3. Add the olive oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute.
4. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef cubes to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, stirring occasionally. This step will enhance the flavor of the stew.
5. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Saute the Aromatics
With your Instant Pot still on the “Saute” mode, it’s time to saute the aromatics. Follow these steps:
1. Add the diced onion to the pot and saute for a few minutes until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and saute for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. If desired, pour in the red wine and deglaze the pot by scraping any browned bits from the bottom. This step will add depth to the stew.
Pressure Cook the Stew
Now that the aromatics are sauteed to perfection, it’s time to pressure cook the stew. Follow these steps:
1. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot, along with any juices that may have accumulated.
2. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot.
3. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are merged.
4. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
5. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
Set and Cook
With all the ingredients in the pot, it’s time to set and cook. Follow these steps:
1. Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position.
2. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button, depending on your Instant Pot model.
3. Adjust the cooking time to 30 minutes on high pressure.
4. Once the cooking time is set, sit back and relax while the Instant Pot works its magic.
Natural Release and Serve
After the pressure cooking time is complete, it’s important to allow for a natural release of pressure. Follow these steps:
1. Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the Instant Pot sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes to naturally release pressure.
2. Carefully turn the venting knob to the “Venting” position to release any remaining steam.
3. Once the pressure has fully released, open the Instant Pot lid.
4. Give the stew a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Serve the Instant Pot Beef Stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Optional Variations and Tips
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few optional variations and tips to enhance your Instant Pot Beef Stew:
1. For an extra kick of flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce.
2. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew after pressure cooking. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” mode and let it simmer until thickened.
3. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the stew, such as peas or mushrooms.
4. Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked a delicious and hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the Instant Pot’s convenience and your culinary skills, you can enjoy a bowl of warm, flavorful stew in no time. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor each spoonful of this delectable dish. Happy cooking!