Ground Beef Stew

A Simple Weeknight Ground Beef Stew

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like a monumental task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands of modern life, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I love one-pot meals like this Ground Beef Stew – quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is a lifesaver on those nights when I'm short on time but still want to put something nutritious and satisfying on the table for my family.

This Ground Beef Stew is far from your average, bland stew. The blend of spices – garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and oregano – creates a rich and savory depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. The addition of green and red peppers adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch. And of course, the hearty ground beef makes it a truly satisfying meal. It's a dish that is both comforting and exciting, perfectly balancing familiar flavors with a unique kick. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own taste preferences. Want more heat? Add some cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of chili powder. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms, to create your own signature version.

The best part? This stew is practically effortless to make. Using an Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process significantly. It’s a quick, one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weekdays. I usually prep all the ingredients while my kids are doing their homework. The entire cooking process, from start to finish, takes about 30 minutes. This frees up my time to spend with my family or catch up on other responsibilities, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over your favorite pasta, like I did, for a hearty and complete meal.
• Pair with fluffy mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting twist.
• Use crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• Add a side salad for a touch of freshness.

This Ground Beef Stew isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be complicated. It's a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution that's sure to become a family favorite. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a warm, satisfying, and flavorful meal without sacrificing precious time with your loved ones. And the best part? Leftovers are just as delicious reheated the next day!

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality ground beef for the best flavor.
• Don't be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking.
• If the stew is too watery after cooking, sauté it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Make it ahead of time! This stew tastes even better the next day.

This recipe isn't just about a quick dinner; it’s a small victory in the everyday battle of balancing work, family, and self-care. So go ahead, treat yourself (and your family) to this delicious and easy Ground Beef Stew. You deserve it!

Step-by-step

• Press the Sauté function on the control panel of the Instant Pot.
• Click the Adjust key and choose less, normal, or more heat setting. Select normal.
• After the pot is hot (indicated by the HOT sign), begin sautéing. Important: Do not close the pot lid while sautéing.
• Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat. Add onion, season with salt, and sauté until light golden.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps. Sauté until the pink color fades.
• Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, dried oregano, and salt. Combine well.
• Add green pepper, red pepper, and chopped tomato. Combine well.
• Add tomato sauce, soy sauce, and water. Combine well.
• Close the lid. Click Cancel to cancel the sauté mode. Ensure the pressure release valve is in the sealing position.
• Click Manual, then Pressure, and select high pressure. Set the time to 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, allow steam to release naturally (about 20 minutes) or manually vent after 10 minutes. Be careful of hot steam.
• Open the lid after pressure is released. If the stew is watery, sauté for a few more minutes on normal setting.
• Add cilantro and corn (optional), combine, and cook for a few minutes.
• Serve over pasta, topped with cheddar cheese.