Description
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chuck roast is browned and then pressure-cooked with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery in a rich beef stock seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and aromatic spices. The stew is finished with a simple cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, making it a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal ready in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 1/2 lb Chuck Roast, cut in 1″ cubes
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Liquid Base
- 4 cup Beef Stock
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 Onions, diced
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced
- 5 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 Carrots, peeled and sliced
Thickener
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot on Saute High: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Saute High’ mode to prepare for browning the meat.
- Melt the Butter: Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the pot and let it melt completely, creating a flavorful base for browning.
- Brown the Meat: Season the chuck roast cubes with salt and pepper. Saute them in batches in the melted butter until browned on all sides for enhanced flavor. Remove browned meat pieces to a bowl and repeat until all meat is browned.
- Add the Meat Back: Turn off the ‘Saute’ mode and return all browned meat to the Instant Pot.
- Add Liquid Base and Seasonings: Pour in 4 cups of beef stock, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon paprika, 3 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced onions, sliced celery, peeled and cubed potatoes, and peeled, sliced carrots into the pot. Stir everything thoroughly, then add 1 bay leaf for additional aroma.
- Cook under High Pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes to tenderize the meat and meld the flavors.
- Quick Release: When cooking is complete, carefully cover the vent with a dish towel to prevent splatter and perform a quick pressure release to safely open the pot.
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water until smooth to create a slurry for thickening the stew.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Add the cornstarch slurry to the stew and stir until fully incorporated. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Instant Pot beef stew!
Notes
- You can substitute other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for some of the potatoes or carrots for variety.
- For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the meat before adding the liquid base.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- The stew freezes well; cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for longer storage.