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- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 carrots, sliced - 3 potatoes, diced - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients create a solid base for your stew. The beef chuck offers a rich flavor. Use fresh veggies for the best taste. - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening) Worcestershire sauce gives a savory depth. Cornstarch helps achieve a thick, hearty texture. You can skip the sauce if you prefer a simpler taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch. It brightens the dish visually and enhances the flavor. Just sprinkle it on top before serving. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 carrots, sliced - 3 potatoes, diced - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Wash and chop your veggies. This makes cooking easier. Set everything close to your Instant Pot. First, set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. Wait until it turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook it for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell great! Then, stir in the beef chunks. Season it with salt and pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned on all sides. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Now, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce, if you want. Place the bay leaf on top and mix everything well. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to 'Manual' high pressure for 35 minutes. After cooking, let it release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually. Carefully take out the bay leaf. If you want a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water. Stir this slurry into the stew. Set the pot to 'Sauté' mode again for a few minutes to thicken. Taste your stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the beef stew into bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty meal! To get tender beef, start with chuck. This cut has fat, which keeps it juicy. Sear the beef well in the pot. This adds flavor. Cooking at high pressure helps break down tough fibers. Letting it rest after cooking also helps. Wait a bit before you serve it. Seasoning is key for great flavor. Use salt and pepper to start. Dried thyme and rosemary add depth. These herbs bring warmth to the stew. Tomato paste gives it a rich taste. Worcestershire sauce adds a nice kick. Feel free to play with your favorite spices. If your stew is too thin, use cornstarch to thicken it. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and heat. If the beef is tough, it may need more pressure time. Don’t worry! You can always cook it a bit longer. If it tastes bland, add more salt or herbs. Always taste and adjust as needed. Pro Tips Brown the Beef: Take your time to brown the beef chunks well. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the overall taste. Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh thyme and rosemary will elevate the flavor profile of your stew significantly. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, consider adding the cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. This will give you a rich and hearty consistency. Season to Taste: Always taste your stew before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure a well-balanced flavor that suits your palate. {{image_2}} You can easily add more veggies to your beef stew. Try using green beans, peas, or bell peppers. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Just remember to cut them small, so they cook well. I like to add these after the beef browns. This keeps them fresh and colorful. If you want a low-carb beef stew, swap the potatoes for radishes or turnips. These options offer a similar texture with fewer carbs. You can also add cauliflower for a creamy feel. Use low-carb broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce. These simple swaps make the stew keto-friendly while keeping it tasty. Want to switch up the protein? You can use chicken or pork instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time. For chicken, cook for about 25 minutes at high pressure. For pork, stick with 35 minutes. Each protein brings a new flavor, making your stew unique. Try different meats for fun and variety in your meals. You can store leftover beef stew in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep it tasty and safe. For longer storage, freeze the beef stew. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Beef stew can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the beef stew on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, warm it over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. For a thicker consistency, add a bit of cornstarch slurry as you reheat. Enjoy your warm, hearty meal! Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just keep in mind that cooking time may change. If your beef is frozen, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Make sure to cut the beef into small pieces before freezing. This helps it cook evenly. Always check that the beef is tender before serving. Instant Pot Beef Stew lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can also freeze the stew if you want to keep it longer. Just make sure to cool it down before freezing. You can serve beef stew with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping - Rice or mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad - Steamed veggies for added color These sides add balance and make your meal more filling. Enjoy your delicious stew with these options for a complete dinner! You learned how to make a tasty Instant Pot beef stew. We talked about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great results. I shared ways to customize your stew, from adding veggies to using different meats. We also covered how to store your leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun. Experiment with flavors and enjoy every bite! Your perfect beef stew awaits.

Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew

A comforting and hearty beef stew made in the Instant Pot, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 units carrots, sliced
  • 3 units potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 unit bay leaf
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
  • to taste unit fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the beef chunks and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot.
  • Pour in the beef broth, and stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce, if using.
  • Add the bay leaf on top and give everything a final stir to combine.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to 'Manual' high pressure for 35 minutes.
  • After the cooking time, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove the bay leaf. If you want a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Set to 'Sauté' mode for a few minutes until the stew thickens.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thicker gravy, use cornstarch slurry.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, Instant Pot