Description
Hearty beef stew simmers with tender chunks of meat, robust vegetables, and rich broth, creating a comforting one-pot meal. Silky textures and deep flavors invite warmth to your table, promising a satisfying dinner you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cubed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meat by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode and add a splash of olive oil. Methodically brown the beef in multiple batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer the seared meat to a separate plate.
- Without cleaning the pot, add a touch more oil and gently sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden. Introduce minced garlic, tomato paste, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Allow the aromatics to bloom and release their fragrant oils for a brief moment.
- Sprinkle flour over the aromatic mixture, stirring to create a light roux. Gradually pour in beef broth, using a wooden spoon to dissolve the flavorful browned bits clinging to the pot’s bottom. Return the seared beef to the liquid and incorporate chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, and a bay leaf. Gently mix all components to ensure even distribution.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and program to high-pressure cooking mode. Allow the stew to cook for approximately 35 minutes, creating a tender and rich environment for the ingredients to meld. Once complete, permit a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
- Unveil the stew and stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the hearty stew piping hot.
Notes
- Achieve a deep, rich flavor by thoroughly searing the beef, creating a caramelized exterior that locks in juices and adds complexity to the stew.
- Customize the texture by cutting vegetables into uniform sizes, ensuring even cooking and a consistent mouthfeel throughout the dish.
- Enhance dietary flexibility by substituting beef with mushroom-based protein for a vegetarian version or using lean cuts for a lower-fat option.
- Maximize flavor development by allowing the stew to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, letting the ingredients meld and intensify their taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg