Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew: A Taste of Home
There's something truly special about a warm, comforting bowl of beef stew. It's a dish that evokes feelings of home, family, and love. Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that captures all of that, made incredibly easy with the magic of the Instant Pot.
This isn't your average beef stew; it's a culinary hug in a bowl. Imagine tender pieces of beef, simmered with sweet carrots, fragrant celery, and savory onions, all melding together in a rich, flavorful gravy. The secret? A touch of tapioca for the perfect thickness and the convenience of the Instant Pot, making this hearty meal ready in under an hour.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: The Instant Pot makes it a breeze, with minimal hands-on time.
- Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting: A classic stew that warms you from the inside out.
- Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of everyday ingredients needed.
- Flavorful: The combination of beef, vegetables, and a savory gravy is simply divine.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 lbs Beef chuck roast, trimmed and cubed
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced
- 6 Carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Small tapioca
- 1/2 cup Tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
How to Make It
- Prep the Beef: Cut the beef into 1-2 inch chunks and trim off any excess fat.
- Layer in the Instant Pot: Add the beef to the Instant Pot, followed by the sliced onion, celery, and carrots.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle in the salt, sugar, and tapioca. Pour in the tomato juice.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to the 'stew' or 'meat' setting for 35 minutes on high pressure. Allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Oven Finish (Optional): For extra coziness, transfer the stew to a casserole dish and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10-20 minutes uncovered. This step helps the stew to thicken and the meat to get a nice caramelized texture
Tips and Variations
- Thickening: If you don't have tapioca, a slurry of cornstarch and water (2 tablespoons cornstarch to 1/4 cup water) added after cooking, can do the trick.
- For extra richness, try browning the beef in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting before adding the other ingredients.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms. If adding potatoes, add a 1/2 cup of water to ensure the stew does not burn.
- Make it a soup If you prefer a more soup like consistancy, add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of beef broth or water.
- Serving suggestions: serve this stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping and a fresh green salad
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it's a reminder of the simple joys in life, the warmth of a home-cooked dish, and the love that goes into every spoonful. Whether it's a chilly evening or a gathering with friends and family, this stew is a guaranteed hit.
Enjoy this easy, hearty, and life-changing beef stew! Let me know how it turns out for you.