Elevate Your Winter Meals: How to Instant Pot Stew Meat for Restaurant-Quality Results

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a mouthwatering Instant Pot stew meat. This versatile dish is perfect for chilly nights, family gatherings, or meal prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, follow our step-by-step guide to create tender, flavorful stew meat that will melt in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting. Add beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.

2. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

4. Season to Taste: Add oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to your desired taste.

5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Meat/Stew” setting and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, remove the meat from the pot and bring the sauce to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add it to the sauce while whisking constantly. Return the meat to the pot and let simmer until thickened.

Tips for Perfect Stew Meat:

• Use a good cut of meat: Choose a stew meat that is well-marbled for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Brown the meat thoroughly: This step helps to develop a rich flavor and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: If the pot is too full, the meat will not brown evenly.
• Add vegetables for extra flavor: Carrots, celery, and onions are classic additions, but you can use any vegetables you like.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to add salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the stew.
• Let the pressure release naturally: This allows the meat to continue cooking and become even more tender.
• Thicken the sauce if desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry to create a smooth, rich texture.

Variations:

• Slow Cooker Method: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Add Other Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients to your stew, such as potatoes, mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Meats: You can use any type of meat you like for this stew, such as pork, lamb, or chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Rice or Noodles: Serve the stew over rice or noodles for a more hearty and filling option.
• Bread or Biscuits: Dip crusty bread or warm biscuits into the stew for a delicious and flavorful side.
• Salad: Add a fresh salad to the side for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Final Thoughts:

With our detailed guide and tips, you can now create mouthwatering Instant Pot stew meat with ease. Experiment with different ingredients and variations to tailor the stew to your taste preferences. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience with tender, flavorful stew meat that will warm you from the inside out.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use frozen stew meat in the Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can use frozen stew meat. Add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: How can I make the stew thicker?

A: Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add it to the sauce while whisking constantly.

Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.