Instant Pot Beef Stew

$- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium-sized carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 cup green peas (frozen) - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish I love using fresh ingredients for my Instant Pot beef stew. The beef chuck gives a rich flavor. I find the extra virgin olive oil helps brown the meat well. Chopping the onion and garlic brings out their great taste. The carrots and potatoes add a nice texture. Frozen peas are easy to use and make the stew colorful. Each ingredient plays a role. The beef broth adds depth. Tomato paste makes it hearty. Dried thyme and smoked paprika create warmth. Salt and pepper bring all the flavors together. Fresh parsley at the end adds brightness. This mix makes a comforting family meal that everyone will enjoy. You can check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step directions on how to make this delicious dish! To start, select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil heats, add the 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. Sauté the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until it gets a nice brown crust. This browning adds great flavor. After that, carefully remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. With the pot still hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and fragrant. This step builds a solid flavor base for your stew. Next, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything well, making sure the veggies get coated with the spices. Then, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Pour in 4 cups of rich beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot gently. This deglazing step lifts tasty bits that will boost your stew’s flavor. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Mix it in with the other ingredients. Ensure the beef is fully submerged in the broth for even cooking. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and switch it to Manual mode. Set the timer for 35 minutes and make sure the pressure valve is set to Sealing. Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, you can carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any leftover pressure. Open the lid and stir in 1 cup of green peas. If you like a thicker stew, use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the stew. Then mix that back into the pot for a heartier texture. Ladle generous portions of the beef stew into bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and flavor. For a cozy meal, serve your stew with warm, crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your comforting family meal! To make your beef stew really shine, choose beef chuck for its tenderness. This cut breaks down well under pressure, giving you juicy bites. When it comes to spices, add dried thyme and smoked paprika. They bring warmth and depth to your dish. A pinch of salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors. If you live at a higher altitude, increase your cooking time by a few minutes. This helps the stew cook through evenly. To get the right consistency, consider blending a small portion of the stew after cooking. It thickens the broth without losing the chunky feel. To cut down on salt, use low-sodium beef broth. This keeps the flavor while reducing sodium intake. You can swap in more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. These additions make your stew colorful and healthy. For a heartier meal, consider adding beans or lentils. For the full recipe, check out the details earlier in the article. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in your stew. Chicken or pork works well too. Just cut them into cubes like the beef. For a meat-free option, use hearty veggies like mushrooms and lentils. These add great texture and flavor while keeping it wholesome. To deepen the flavor, consider adding red wine. It gives the stew a rich taste. If you want to get creative, try adding herbs like rosemary or bay leaves. Spices such as cumin or coriander can also add a unique twist to your dish. You can modify ingredients based on the season. In winter, root vegetables like parsnips are nice. Spring brings fresh peas and asparagus. Use local produce for the best flavor. You’ll enjoy a fresher taste while supporting local farmers. For the complete dish, check the Full Recipe to guide your cooking adventure. To keep your beef stew fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the flavors intact. Use the stew within three to four days. For longer storage, freeze the stew. Portion it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This prevents freezer burn and keeps your stew tasty. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the stew gently. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for two to three minutes. Check the temperature and stir halfway. The stew should be hot all the way through but not boiling. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts three to four days. After that, it's best to toss it. Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell or mold. If the stew develops a strange color, it’s also time to discard it. Always trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out. Enjoying beef stew is best when it's safe to eat! Try the Full Recipe for the perfect stew experience. Yes, you can use frozen beef in this stew. The Instant Pot cooks frozen beef well. Just remember, it will take longer to come to pressure. For best results, cut the beef into smaller chunks. This helps it cook evenly. When using frozen beef, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to check the beef for tenderness after cooking. If your stew is too thin, don’t worry! You can easily thicken it. One method is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew. Next, use the sauté function to heat it for a few minutes. Another option is to blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender. This adds thickness while keeping the chunky texture. Yes, you can prepare this stew in advance. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To save time, chop your veggies and beef the night before. You can also cook and freeze the stew. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. This blog post covered everything you need for a delicious Instant Pot beef stew. We explored essential ingredients, preparation steps, tips for flavor, and variations to meet your taste. Remember, the right beef cut and spices make a big difference. You can adjust the vegetables for a healthier version too. Enjoy your stew with crusty bread, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. Try these methods and make this meal your own. Happy cooking!$

Warm up your dinner with this Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew that's perfect for chilly evenings! Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this easy recipe delivers comfort in every bite. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a rich and flavorful stew in just one hour. Ready to impress your family with a delicious homemade meal?

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Ingredients

2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

4 medium-sized carrots, sliced into rounds

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces

1 cup of green peas (frozen peas work perfectly)

4 cups of rich beef broth

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 teaspoons of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Start by selecting the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up. Carefully add the beef cubes, seasoning them lightly with salt and black pepper. Sauté the beef until it achieves a nice brown crust on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté the Aromatics: With the pot still heated, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step will build a flavorful base for your stew.

Incorporate Vegetables and Spices: Next, introduce the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot, along with the dried thyme and smoked paprika. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated with the spices.

Deglaze the Pot: Add the tomato paste, stirring it in to meld with the vegetables. Pour the beef broth into the mixture, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot gently with a wooden spoon to deglaze it. This ensures that all caramelized bits from the beef add flavor to your stew.

Return the Beef to the Pot: Place the browned beef back into the pot, mixing it in with the other ingredients. Ensure the beef is fully submerged in the luscious broth for even cooking.

Pressure Cook the Stew: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and switch it to Manual mode. Set the timer for 35 minutes, making certain that the pressure valve is set to the Sealing position.

Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. Once this time has passed, you can carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.

Add Peas and Thicken (if desired): Stir in the green peas and mix well. If you prefer a thicker stew, use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the stew and then mix it back into the pot for a heartier texture.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle generous portions of the beef stew into bowls. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and a burst of freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: For an added touch, serve the stew with warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping, and consider using rustic bowls for a cozy meal experience.