Instant Pot Beef Stew
I feel like beef stew is just one of those meals that everyone loves. It's warm and cozy, hearty and filling, and full of simple but bold flavors. Making this in the Instant Pot makes it easier than ever. In just shy of an hour, the meat is pull-apart tender and tastes like it's been braising all day long. Make a double batch and put half in the freezer to enjoy at another day, or drop it off on a friend's doorstep. Please, please, please enjoy!
INSTANT POT BEEF STEW
INGREDIENTS:
-1 T olive oil
-1 pound beef stew meat, heavily salted and peppered
-1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
-3 T tomato paste
-1 T worcestershire sauce
-2 cups beef broth
-1 cup red table wine I prefer cabernet, but any red wine you like to drink works fine
-1 t italian seasoning
-1 t garlic powder
-2 large carrots, roughly chopped on a diagonal
-2 large potatoes, roughly chopped yukon golds are my favorite
-1 T cornstarch + water
-1/2 cup frozen peas
-additional salt + pepper around 1 teaspoon of each
DIRECTIONS:
1.) On sauté mode, add oil until rippling hot
2.) Pat stew meat dry, then heavily salt and pepper. Place in IP. Flip when browned, and brown other side
3.) Add roughly chopped onion, tomato paste (3 T), worcestershire sauce (1 T), wine (1 cup), broth (2 cups), and seasonings (1 t garlic powder, 1 t italian seasoning blend).
4.) Place IP lid on, and turn on "Stew" mode or 35 minutes on high pressure, manual
5.) Let steam naturally release for at least 10 minutes before doing a quick release. This is important so your meat doesn't tighten up.
6.) Remove lid, and add potatoes and carrots
7.) Make a cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl, and stir it into your liquid for 30 seconds
A cornstarch slurry is a way to thicken your liquid. Put equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl and mix together until there are no clumps remaining. Pour this into your stew and mix it all together for 30 seconds.
8.) Replace lid, and heat on manual for 6 minutes
9.) Quick release, remove lid, and stir in frozen peas. They'll warm up almost instantly, and this dish is ready to serve.
One last note- salt is what really wakes up this dish and makes the flavors come alive. You'll need to taste at the end, and very possibly, add a bit more salt. Just add 1/4 teaspoon at time to make sure you don't overdo it. I also add a shake of cayenne at the end, just to give it a little extra oomph.
Serve and enjoy!
