RV Ark

Instant Pot Beef Stew

—

by

Chad
in

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Sear the Beef:
    • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
    • Once hot, add the beef stew meat in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the Pot:
    • Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
    • If not using wine, deglaze with a bit of the beef broth.
  4. Pressure Cook:
    • Return the browned beef to the pot along with the potatoes, carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.
    • Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) on high pressure for 35 minutes.
  5. Release Pressure:
    • Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
  6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
    • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and stir the slurry into the stew. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened.
  7. Serve:
    • Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
    • Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!