Description
This rich and hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew delivers tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a thick, savory broth all prepared quickly under pressure. Perfect for a comforting, satisfying meal any day of the week, it combines classic stew ingredients with the convenience of modern pressure cooking to save time without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Stew Base
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 32 oz beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 4-5 small red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
Herbs and Thickeners
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Combine: Place all ingredients except the frozen peas, frozen corn, and the flour/water mixture into the Instant Pot. Stir everything until well combined to evenly distribute flavors and ensure cooking uniformity.
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely and set the valve to the sealing position to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Stew: Select the ‘Meat/Stew’ preset on the Instant Pot, which cooks at high pressure for 35 minutes, to cook the beef and vegetables until tender and flavorful.
- Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking time completes, allow the Instant Pot to sit undisturbed for 12 minutes to naturally release pressure, enhancing the stew’s texture and tenderness.
- Quick Release Remaining Pressure: After 12 minutes, carefully move the valve to the venting position to quickly release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Thicken and Finish the Stew: Stir in the frozen corn, peas, and the flour mixed with water. Cook on the ‘Sauté’ setting or with the lid off for 3-5 minutes while stirring until the stew thickens and the vegetables are heated through, creating a luscious final texture.
Notes
- Beef cut size is important for cooking evenly; bite-sized pieces work best.
- Allowing natural pressure release helps the meat stay tender.
- The flour and water slurry is crucial to thicken the stew without lumps.
- Frozen peas and corn are added last to keep their texture and color vibrant.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking if needed, as flavors develop under pressure.
