Healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew (or Slow Cooker)
Everyone's favorite comfort meal made in under an hour. This Instant Pot Beef Stew is healthy, delicious, and couldn't be easier. I had a love/hate relationship with beef stew until I bought an Instant Pot. Now that I can cook it in under an hour, it's all love. My problem with beef stew in the past was that it took hours to cook, and whenever the craving struck, it was already too late to start. You know the kind of day I mean. You come home from work and really crave something comforting like beef stew, only to realize there is no way you can make it unless you want to eat at midnight. Luckily the Instant Pot solved that problem. Now when it comes to the beef stew, I am a bit of a traditionalist and like to stick to the basics - beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. You could definitely jazz things up and throw in some mushrooms, peas, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or any other hearty vegetable you like. I also stick to a pretty traditional spice blend but you could definitely kick that up as well. Add some allspice, cinnamon, curry powder, or chili powder to take your stew in a different direction.
Everyone's favorite comfort meal made in under an hour. This Instant Pot Beef Stew is healthy, delicious, and couldn't be easier. I had a love/hate relationship with beef stew until I bought an Instant Pot. Now that I can cook it in under an hour, it's all love. My problem with beef stew in the past was that it took hours to cook, and whenever the craving struck, it was already too late to start. You know the kind of day I mean. You come home from work and really crave something comforting like beef stew, only to realize there is no way you can make it unless you want to eat at midnight. Luckily the Instant Pot solved that problem. Now when it comes to the beef stew, I am a bit of a traditionalist and like to stick to the basics - beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. You could definitely jazz things up and throw in some mushrooms, peas, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or any other hearty vegetable you like. I also stick to a pretty traditional spice blend but you could definitely kick that up as well. Add some allspice, cinnamon, curry powder, or chili powder to take your stew in a different direction.
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 leaves
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 1/2 lb lean stewing beef cut into 1 inch chunks
- 1 lb carrots chopped
- 1 lb potatoes chopped
- Carbohydrate 27.5749372691249 g
- Cholesterol 80.512645675 mg
- Fat 24.1936484859424 g
- Fiber 4.50028488335236 g
- Protein 22.8263291497962 g
- Saturated Fat 9.13028034682924 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (369g)
- Sodium 590.560449214344 mg
- Sugar 23.0746523857726 g
- Trans Fat 2.78669853439771 g
- Calories 419 calories
Step-by-step
- Season the beef with salt and pepper. Toss with flour.
- Place the oil in the Instant Pot and turn on to the "Saute" mode. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and brown all sides, letting the meat caramelize and brown before turning it.
- Add the beef broth to the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pan. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic cloves, bay leaves, salt, sugar, paprika, pepper, and thyme. Stir so that the spices are incorporated into the broth.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Add the lid and close the steam valve. Press the "meat/stew" button or set the timer to 35 minutes on high pressure. After the 35 minutes, let the pressure release naturally. Once the pressure is released, release the steam valve and open the lid carefully. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Slow Cooker: Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
My Love Affair with the Instant Pot: A Speedy Beef Stew Recipe
For years, beef stew was a culinary aspiration, a comforting dream that always seemed just out of reach. The hours of simmering, the meticulous preparation – it all felt like a monumental task, often impossible to squeeze into a busy weeknight schedule. I'd imagine myself curled up on the sofa, a steaming bowl of hearty stew warming my hands and soul, but the reality was more often takeout or a hastily assembled sandwich.
Then came the Instant Pot. This magical pressure cooker revolutionized my kitchen and, more importantly, my relationship with beef stew. Suddenly, this once-daunting dish became accessible, achievable, and ridiculously quick to prepare. The rich, savory flavors I'd craved for so long were now available within an hour – a revelation! Now, a comforting bowl of beef stew is no longer a luxurious fantasy, but a realistic weeknight dinner option.
My approach to beef stew is fairly traditional. I like the classic combination of tender beef, earthy carrots, fluffy potatoes, crisp celery, and sweet onions. This recipe stays true to those familiar flavors while offering a streamlined, efficient cooking method. The Instant Pot allows the beef to become beautifully tender, while the vegetables retain their texture and vibrant color. The result is a truly satisfying meal that warms from the inside out.
Of course, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even a handful of peas can add interesting layers of flavor and texture. Don't be afraid to play with the spices either. A dash of allspice, a hint of cinnamon, a sprinkle of curry powder – these subtle additions can take your stew in entirely new and exciting directions. But even without any extra flourishes, this classic beef stew stands on its own, delivering a wholesome, satisfying culinary experience that's perfect for any occasion.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, but it also holds up well when made in larger batches for meal prepping. The leftovers are equally delicious, making this a perfect dish for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this Instant Pot beef stew is a must-try recipe. It's simple, delicious, and, most importantly, it’s quick, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic stew without sacrificing precious time.
In conclusion, this recipe represents more than just a meal; it's a testament to the transformative power of smart kitchen tools and a celebration of classic flavors. It's a testament to the efficiency and ease of preparing a hearty, delicious meal without sacrificing quality or taste. So, next time you find yourself craving a comforting bowl of beef stew, don't hesitate. Give this Instant Pot recipe a try, and experience the joy of a wonderfully satisfying meal, made quickly and easily in the comfort of your own kitchen.
