Instant Pot Beef Stew Cozy Style

$- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients create a rich and hearty beef stew. Beef chuck gives the stew its depth and flavor. The carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. Onion and garlic bring a strong aroma to the dish. Seasonings like thyme and rosemary add warmth and earthiness. The beef broth and tomato paste form a savory base. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup frozen peas Optional ingredients can enhance your stew. Cornstarch helps thicken the gravy, giving it a nice body. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness. Peas introduce a sweet crunch, making the stew more interesting. You can mix and match these to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef chuck cubes in batches. This helps them brown nicely. Make sure to brown each side for the best flavor. After browning, take the beef out and set it aside on a plate. This step builds a rich base for your stew. Now, it’s time to cook the veggies. Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until it becomes soft and clear, about three to four minutes. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until it smells great. Adding the onions and garlic at this stage brings out their flavors. It creates a nice, tasty base for your stew. Next, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to coat with the seasonings. Then, mix in two tablespoons of tomato paste. This helps to deepen the flavor of the stew. Pour in four cups of beef broth. It’s important to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This removes any bits stuck there. These bits add flavor, but you want to avoid the burn notice. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 35 minutes. Make sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Once cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for ten minutes. After that, do a quick release for any remaining pressure. This method keeps the stew tender. Now, stir in one cup of frozen peas for a pop of color and texture. If you want a thicker stew, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this into the stew and let it simmer on 'Sauté' for a few minutes. Before serving, taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice look. This adds a fresh touch that makes your cozy stew even better. To boost the flavor of your stew, try adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring brightness. You can also use bay leaves for depth. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes. For browning beef, make sure the pot is hot. Sear the beef in batches to avoid steaming. This helps develop a rich, deep flavor. Don't rush this step; it’s key for a tasty stew. If you want to use different cuts of meat, adjust the cooking time. For tender cuts, like sirloin, 25 minutes is enough. Tougher cuts, like brisket, may need 45 minutes for best results. You can also adjust for tenderness. If you like your beef fall-apart tender, add 10 more minutes. For firmer chunks, stick to the original time. To avoid the burn notice, always scrape the bottom of the pot. This removes stuck bits that can burn. Add enough liquid, like broth, to keep it safe. Keep the pressure valve set to sealing for cooking. This ensures the pot builds pressure correctly. Also, don’t fill the pot too full; leave some space for steam to build. Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: Searing the beef cubes until nicely browned adds depth of flavor to your stew, creating a rich and savory base. Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor profile of your stew significantly compared to dried herbs. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor variety in your stew. Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, remember that adding the cornstarch slurry towards the end allows for better control over the texture. {{image_2}} You can switch out the beef in this stew. Chicken works well if you want a lighter dish. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as the beef. Pork is another great choice. Use pork shoulder for a rich flavor. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or lentils. They add a hearty texture without meat. Beans like kidney or black beans can also boost protein. Seasonal veggies can change the stew's taste. Use butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall. In spring, add green beans or asparagus. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables when fresh ones are not available. Adding legumes like chickpeas or lentils adds protein and fiber. They make the stew filling and nutritious. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. You can also mix in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. If you want an Italian twist, add basil and oregano. For a Mexican flair, try cumin and chili powder. These variations keep the stew exciting and cater to your taste. To store leftover beef stew, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps your stew fresh and safe to eat. Use glass or plastic containers with tight seals. These are the best for preventing spills and odors. Store in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze beef stew, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure the stew is cool before packing it away. Leave some space at the top of the container. This allows room for expansion as the stew freezes. Beef stew can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for faster thawing. For reheating, the stovetop is best. It warms the stew evenly and keeps the texture nice. Heat on low and stir often to avoid sticking. If you use a microwave, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy your cozy stew just like new! Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it changes the cooking process. When you cook frozen beef, it needs longer time to reach safe temperatures. To avoid this, I suggest thawing the beef first. You can thaw beef overnight in the fridge or use the microwave on defrost. Thawed beef cooks evenly and makes your stew more flavorful. To thicken your beef stew, you have a few options. One way is to mix cornstarch with cold water, creating a slurry. Stir this into the stew while it simmers. Another method is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew. They will add creaminess and help it thicken naturally. You can also let the stew simmer longer without the lid to reduce the liquid. Instant Pot Beef Stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping - Rice or quinoa for extra texture - A fresh green salad to balance the meal - Mashed potatoes for a comforting touch Yes, you can make this stew in advance. Cook it and let it cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. Instant Pot Beef Stew lasts in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure it cools down before you store it. Always use airtight containers to keep it fresh. If you’re unsure, check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. In this post, I covered how to make Instant Pot Beef Stew. You learned about key ingredients like beef, vegetables, and seasonings. I shared steps to prepare the beef, cook vegetables, and pressure cook the stew. We explored tips to enhance flavor and variations, like using different proteins and vegetables. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your stew fresh. Whether you enjoy this dish now or later, hungry bellies will love it!$

Instant Pot Beef Stew Cozy Style

A hearty and comforting beef stew made in the Instant Pot, perfect for cold days.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the browned beef back into the pot along with carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring everything is well coated.
Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrap any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to avoid the burn notice.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 35 minutes. Ensure the pressure valve is set to sealing.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the stew to natural release pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew, allowing it to simmer on 'Sauté' for a few minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Optional cornstarch can be used for thickening the stew.

Keyword beef stew, cozy meal, Instant Pot