Wholesome Comfort: Quick & Flavor-Packed Beef Stew in the Instant Pot

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our quick beef stew in the Instant Pot. Savory beef, tender veggies, and aromatic herbs come together for a hearty meal!
Wholesome Comfort: Quick & Flavor-Packed Beef Stew in the Instant Pot

There's something deeply satisfying about a bowl of beef stew, especially when the weather turns chilly and all you want is some comforting nourishment. If you're a fan of rich and hearty meals but dread the long cooking times, then this Instant Pot beef stew is the perfect solution. Quick to prepare but layered with layers of flavor, this recipe promises warmth, comfort, and a burst of taste with every bite. Let’s delve into making this fabulous dish that's both nourishing and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, you can substitute with more beef broth)
• 4 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Start by preparing all ingredients to make the cooking process seamless. Cube the beef chuck roast, dice the vegetables, and measure out all necessary ingredients.

2. Sautéing:

   • Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Once hot, add the olive oil.
   • Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
   • In batches, sear the beef in the pot until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

3. Building Flavor:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Deglazing:

   • Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step is crucial for building depth of flavor.

5. Combining Ingredients:

   • Return the browned beef cubes to the pot.
   • Add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

6. Pressure Cooking:

• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release handle is in the 'Sealing' position.
• Select 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' and set the timer for 35 minutes.
• Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then use the quick-release method to release any remaining pressure.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Open the lid carefully. Stir in the frozen peas and let the stew rest for 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through.
   • If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the stew sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens.

8. Serving:

   • Remove and discard the bay leaves.
   • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Conclusion:

There you have it, a wholesome and satisfying beef stew made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for any weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The balance of tender beef with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that warms both the heart and soul. Give this recipe a try, and revel in the delight of a home-cooked meal that's both quick and delectably satisfying. Enjoy your culinary journey of quick comfort with our Instant Pot beef stew!