Instant Pot Beef Stew

This Instant Pot Beef Stew (With A Secret Ingredient) is one of those heartwarming dishes that makes you feel right at home. Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and the aroma of savory, rich beef stew fills the air. The best part? You can whip it up faster than you might think, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. As you gather around the table, each bite tastes like a warm hug, bringing comfort after a long day. Plus, there’s a secret ingredient nestled within this stew that adds a delightful twist, ensuring you keep coming back for more. Ready to discover the secret? Let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

The combination of ingredients in this dish creates a rich and hearty stew that almost feels like a warm embrace with each spoonful. The Instant Pot isn’t just a time-saver; it builds deep flavors quickly, pulling out the best from each ingredient. When you pressure cook, flavors mingle in a way that they simply can’t when simmered for hours. The secret ingredient is the cherry on top, enhancing the taste and adding a unique twist that surprises everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew (With A Secret Ingredient)

This beef stew is an absolute winner for busy weeknights and cozy family gatherings. It’s that comforting meal that’s just right for cold weather. What’s even better is the versatility of this dish. You can customize it based on your personal preferences. Add extra veggies, adjust spices, or even swap out the beef for chicken if that’s what your family loves. The beauty of this stew is that it’s all about what you like!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting, as it makes the process smoother. Here’s what you need:

• 2 pounds stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 2 medium russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chili sauce (a tomato-based chili sauce like Heinz)
• 2-1/2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Preparing the Beef for Stew

Browning the Meat

Start by pressing the Sauté button on your Instant Pot. Wait until “Hot” appears on the display. Add the cooking oil and give it a moment to heat up. Now, toss in the stew meat, browning it on all sides. This step is essential, as it adds flavor. Don’t worry about cooking it through just yet; we’re only looking to develop a nice sear here.

Sautéing Aromatics

Next, it’s time for the aromatics. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. If the pot looks a bit dry, feel free to add a touch more oil. Cook everything together until the onions turn nice and translucent. This will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!

Building Flavor

Deglazing the Pot

Now comes the fun part! Pour in the red wine, allowing it to deglaze the pan. Don’t skip this step; it’s where all those delicious brown bits get mixed back into the stew, enhancing the flavor profile significantly. Make sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom—this is pure gold!

Adding Vegetables and Broth

With the pot deglazed, it’s time for the star players—add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the mix. After that, pour in your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and chili sauce. Season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir it all up and make sure it’s well combined.

Cooking the Stew

Pressure Cooking

Now, seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for about 35 minutes. While it cooks, take a moment to enjoy that delightful aroma wafting through your house. Once the timer goes off, let it naturally release steam for 15-20 minutes or until all the steam has released. Patience here is key; it helps deepen the flavors even further.

Thickening the Stew

Adjusting the Gravy

When the soup’s done cooking, check the thickness of the gravy. If it seems a bit thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl and stir it into the stew while it’s still hot. This will give it a nice, hearty texture that clings beautifully to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty beef stew over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes or with some crusty bread on the side. It’s great to soak up all that delicious broth. For a fresh pop of flavor, don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. It adds a lovely touch!

Tips for Success

For a flavorful yet controlled dish, remember to use low-sodium broth. This way, you can adjust the saltiness according to your taste. Also, letting the stew rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld even more.

Variations

Feel free to shake things up a bit! Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You can also swap in sweet potatoes if you’d like a different texture and taste profile. Want to get creative? Toss in seasonal veggies like peas or green beans for a delightful twist.

Storage Tips

When you’re finished enjoying your stew, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, freeze portions for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a quick meal.

Pairing Ideas

For a complete meal, pair the beef stew with a side salad. If you’d like to elevate the experience even further, consider enjoying a glass of the same red wine used in the stew. It’s sure to enhance the dining experience and complement those rich flavors beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this stew?

2. Absolutely! Just be prepared that it may require a longer cooking time.

3. Can I omit the wine?

4. Yes, substitute the wine with more beef broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for that needed acidity.

5. How long will leftovers last?

6. They can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

8. Yes! You can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, but allow for longer cooking times.

9. Is the secret ingredient essential?

10. While it certainly adds depth of flavor, you can still enjoy the stew without it.

This Instant Pot Beef Stew isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort your way. Try it out and enjoy the rich flavors filling your home. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did—just remember to share it with family and friends!

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