Instant Pot Beef Stew

Try this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe

Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Beef Stew

Step-by-step

  • Turn the Instant pot to the saute setting.
  • Pour olive oil into the pot.
  • Place the meat into the pot, season generously with salt and pepper (this is in addition to the salt and pepper added with vegetables).
  • Add flour to the meat and saute on high until the meat is browned a bit. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
  • Toss meat around so the flour is not visible and the meat browns.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and broth.
  • Turn the pot to the manual setting and use the up arrow until the display shows 20 minutes.
  • Place the lid in the locked position with the seal in place and the vent to the closed position.
  • Start the pot.
  • While the meat is cooking, Chop the veggies. You should have about 10 cups total of any combination of vegetables listed in the recipe.
  • When the timer goes off and the meat is finished cooking, let the pressure naturally release for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Release any remaining pressure using the pressure release valve.
  • Add the vegetables to the Instant Pot, along with the canned or fresh tomatoes, beef flavoring, salt and pepper and dried herbs. No need to mix yet.
  • Set the lid on the Instant Pot and using the "steam" setting, set the steam for 6 minutes.
  • Lock the lid in position and turn the pot on.
  • After the vegetables have steamed, manually release the pressure and give the stew a mix.
  • If it is not as thick as you'd like, Remove some of the liquid form the pot (about 1 cup) and add the tablespoon of cornstarch to the liquid and whisk.
  • Add back to the pot and stir gently.
  • Leave the pot on the warm mode and it will come to a boil, stir until thickened, then turn off pot to serve.

My Go-To Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon

Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the little ones entertained, finding time for anything, let alone a home-cooked meal, feels like a Herculean task. But I’ve discovered a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal: the Instant Pot. And nothing epitomizes its convenience and deliciousness more than my go-to Instant Pot Beef Stew.

This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients into a pot; it’s about creating a comforting, flavorful meal that feeds my family without sacrificing my sanity or my precious time. I've streamlined the process, focusing on simplicity and speed, to ensure that even on my busiest days, we can sit down to a hearty and wholesome dinner. The deep, rich flavor of the beef, the tenderness of the vegetables, and the overall satisfying warmth of this stew make it a regular fixture on our family dinner table. It's a perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness.

Why I Love This Recipe:

Speed and Efficiency: The Instant Pot drastically cuts down on cooking time, making this a perfect weeknight meal. From prep to table, it’s ready in under an hour, leaving me with more time to spend with my family.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of hearty beef, tender vegetables, and rich broth creates a depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist. Every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes.

One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! With the Instant Pot, there’s minimal washing up, which is a huge plus after a long day.

Adaptable and Versatile: I frequently adjust the vegetables depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes it’s all about the carrots and potatoes, other times I load it up with a colorful mix of seasonal veggies. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.

Perfect for Meal Prepping: This stew tastes even better the next day! I often make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, eliminating some of the mealtime pressure during busy weekdays.

More Than Just a Meal: This stew isn't just sustenance; it’s a symbol of home. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it cooks is incredibly comforting. It brings a sense of warmth and togetherness, a feeling I cherish deeply.

Beyond the Recipe:

The Instant Pot has become more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a lifeline. It allows me to balance my responsibilities as a mother with my desire to provide my family with nourishing, home-cooked meals. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, we can still find moments of peace and connection over a shared, delicious meal. This recipe is more than just a recipe; it's a love letter to my family, a small act of love expressed through the warmth of a delicious, homemade stew.

Making this Instant Pot Beef Stew is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating a memory, a moment of connection, and a taste of home that my family will always cherish. And that, more than anything, makes it the perfect meal for any busy mom.