Description
Hearty instant pot beef stew celebrates classic comfort with tender meat and rich flavors from traditional ingredients. Robust spices and slow-cooked vegetables create a satisfying meal you can easily prepare for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into chunks)
Vegetables:
- 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function at medium-high heat and drizzle olive oil across the surface.
- Methodically brown beef chunks in small batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to bloom the herbs and spices.
- Return browned beef to the pot, then layer in chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and tuck bay leaves throughout the mixture.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is slightly submerged.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to manual high pressure, and cook for 35 minutes at 15 PSI.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the vegetables.
- For a more luxurious consistency, whisk cornstarch with cold water and gently fold into the stew, allowing it to simmer on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes.
- Discard bay leaves, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and serve piping hot in deep bowls.
Notes
- Brown beef in small batches to develop deep, rich flavor caramelization without overcrowding the pot.
- Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir continuously to prevent lumps and achieve perfect stew consistency.
- Swap beef with lamb or mushrooms for alternative protein options catering to different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg