Instant Pot Beef Stew
Description: This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal made with tender beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and a rich savory broth. Pressure cooking makes the beef incredibly tender while keeping the recipe quick and easy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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3 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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2 bay leaves
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cold water
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Brown the Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped onion and celery to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add Flavor: Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Add Broth: Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits.
6. Pressure Cook: Return the beef to the pot. Add bay leaves and stir gently. Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
7. Release Pressure: Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
8. Add Potatoes and Carrots: Add potatoes and carrots to the pot. Close the lid and cook on High Pressure for another 5 minutes.
9. Thicken the Stew: Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Turn on Sauté mode and stir the mixture into the stew. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the broth thickens.
10. Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Healthy Benefits
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Beef: Provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
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Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A.
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Potatoes: Provide potassium and energy.
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Celery: Adds fiber and freshness.
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Garlic: Contains beneficial plant compounds.
Pro Tips
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Brown the beef first for a deeper, richer flavor.
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Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
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Allow natural pressure release for tender beef.
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Add frozen peas at the end to keep them bright and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
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Crusty garlic bread.
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Fresh green salad.
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Dinner rolls.
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Steamed green beans.
Variations
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Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms or green beans.
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Thicker Stew: Add a little extra flour or cornstarch slurry.
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Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour.
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Extra Flavor: Add fresh rosemary or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Storage
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly hot.
Final Thought
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is rich, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s an easy one-pot dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
