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Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew
🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
- 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper
Set Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and heat olive oil until shimmering
Brown meat in batches (don't overcrowd) for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove to a plate
Add onions to the pot and saut until translucent, about 3 minutes
Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute while stirring
Pour in wine (if using) and scrape bottom of pot to deglaze
Return meat to pot and add carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme
Close lid, set valve to SEALING, and select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 35 minutes
Allow for 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully release remaining pressure
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry
Set pot to SAUTE, stir in cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
- Paper towels for patting meat dry
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for variety
Add frozen peas after pressure cooking for color
Try different herb combinations like rosemary or oregano
Use beer instead of wine for a different flavor profile
Add turnips or parsnips for additional root vegetables
Substitute beef broth with mushroom broth for richer flavor
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 60min, Running 30min, Cycling 45min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Cool completely before storing in airtight containers Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days Store in portions for easier reheating
🔥 Reheating Tips
- Reheat in Instant Pot using SAUTE function with a splash of broth Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway Heat on stovetop over medium heat until bubbling
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Cut vegetables up to 24 hours in advance Trim and cube beef up to 24 hours ahead Measure and combine dry seasonings in advance
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months Leave some headspace for expansion when freezing Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping Garnish with fresh parsley before serving Pair with a robust red wine Serve over mashed potatoes for extra comfort Add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not browning the meat properly before pressure cooking Cutting vegetables in inconsistent sizes Skipping the natural release period Adding thickener before pressure cooking Not deglazing the pot properly after sauting
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Irish Style: Add Guinness beer and parsnips French Style: Use herbs de Provence and add pearl onions Italian Style: Add red pepper flakes and Italian herbs Hungarian Style: Add paprika and caraway seeds English Style: Add Worcestershire sauce and mustard
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Not recommended as it won't brown properly. Thaw meat completely before cooking.
Make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding, and simmer until desired thickness.
Yes, replace with additional beef broth for similar results.
Make sure to deglaze pot thoroughly after browning meat and don't add thickener until after pressure cooking.
Yes, but don't exceed max fill line of your Instant Pot. Cooking time remains the same.
Cool completely and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, but adjust size and cooking time based on vegetable firmness.
Either increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes or cut meat into smaller pieces.
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop.
Chuck roast is ideal, but any marbled stewing beef works well.
While not required, browning adds significant flavor to the final dish.
Yes, but don't exceed max fill line and ensure pieces are similar size.
Cut vegetables in larger pieces and don't extend cooking time.
Flour can be used as a thickener, but mix with butter first to make a roux.
Yes, adjust final seasoning to taste.