Perfect Instant Pot Beef Recipes – A Homestyle Flavor To Meld

If you have been looking for a rich, comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make beef stew recipe, you have come to the right place. This dish in particular is one of the best Instant Pot Beef Recipes and is one of the best we have come across.

It is packed full of delicious, soft, and perfectly cooked veggies and soft meat that you are guaranteed to love. Best of all, it is so easy to make, even an amateur cook should be able to enjoy this delightful dish. 

In this article, we are going to go over everything you need to know about baking this delightful and tasty stew. From what ingredients you need to each step that you should follow to make this dish at home. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and get started!

What Is Instant Pot Beef?

Instant Pot Beef refers to beef dishes prepared using the Instant Pot, a multi-functional electric pressure cooker. This method of cooking accelerates the time it traditionally takes to tenderize beef, melding flavors efficiently and effectively. 

The Instant Pot harnesses pressurized steam to infuse the meat with seasonings, resulting in succulent, flavorful dishes. From stews to roasts, this technique promises a gourmet experience, saving both time and energy while never compromising on taste.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

• Keto Replace potatoes with radishes and use almond flour instead of all-purpose. Eliminate carrots or use sparingly due to their natural sugar content.
• Paleo Swap all-purpose flour for arrowroot or tapioca flour. Stick to organic, grass-fed beef and veggies.
• Gluten-Free Use gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
• Whole30 Omit wine, and ensure all other ingredients (like broth) are Whole30 compliant.
• Vegetarian Skip the beef and introduce hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Vegan In addition to the vegetarian modifications, use plant-based Worcestershire sauce or tamari as an alternative.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty flair.
• Asian Fusion: Introduce soy sauce, ginger, and star anise for an Eastern touch.

Add-Ons

• Proteins: Toss in chickpeas or lentils for added protein and texture.
• Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
• Grains: Serve over quinoa, barley, or rice for a hearty, complete meal.

Toppings

• Creamy Touch: Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Crunch Factor: Crushed toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, for crunch.
• Herbal Freshness: Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill.
• Zest & Zing: Grated citrus zest or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
• Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan or crumbled feta to enhance flavor.

Can I Make Instant Pot Beef In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot? 

Slow Cooker

• Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic separately in a pan before adding to the slow cooker.
• Combine all ingredients except for thickening agents like cornstarch.
• Cook on ‘low’ for 7-8 hours or ‘high’ for 3-4 hours.
• If thickening is needed, whisk in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Instant Pot

• Yes, you can! If you don’t have an instant pot on hand, you can always make your stew on the stove top. Simply follow through the first three steps as you normally would.
• Instead of using a slow cooker, use a large pot. Add your beef to the pot and allow it to simmer with the lid on for one and a half hours. At the end of this time, your meat should be nice and tender. 
• At the end of your one-and-a-half hour simmering time, add the baby carrots and potatoes to the pot and allow the stew to cook for another thirty minutes. After this time has elapsed, the potatoes should be tender and soft, but not falling apart. 
• If your stew is still runny at this point, you can thicken it up by adding a water and cornstarch slurry to the stew.  Continue stirring while you are pouring it in, and then allow it to simmer for another two to three minutes. 
• By the end of this time, all you need to do is add your salt, pepper, and lemon juice as you normally would. It is that simple!

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

Store-bought Broth

• Convenience: Ready-to-use, perfect for quick meals.
• Consistency: Offers a predictable flavor.
• Variety: Available in low-sodium, organic, or bone broth versions.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor Control: Tailor the broth’s taste to your preference.
• No Additives: Avoid preservatives or excess sodium commonly found in commercial broths.
• Economical: Made from leftover bones and vegetable scraps.
• Richness: Often richer in flavor and gelatin, especially when made from bones.

How To Serve ? 

• Timing: Serve immediately after cooking to maintain its warmth and flavor intensity. Use a pre-warmed dish to keep it hot.
• Bowl Selection: Opt for deep bowls to retain the broth and make it easier to scoop.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh minced parsley or a sprig of rosemary can elevate its appearance and taste.
• Sides: Accompany with crusty bread or a light green salad to contrast the rich, hearty stew. Garlic bread or mashed potatoes can also enhance the experience.
• Broth: Ladle generously, ensuring each serving has a balance of beef, vegetables, and liquid.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of the same dry red wine used in cooking complements the dish beautifully.

Perfect Side Dishes

• A stew like this can be eaten on its own without a side. However, it is best enjoyed with a delicious side.
• The best options to enjoy along with this stew are as follows: Caesar Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Quinoa, Creamy Polenta, Homemade Bread, Baked Potatoes, Rice, Couscous, Dumplings, and more. 
• At the end of the day, you can go with any side that you like. There are healthy options, starchy options, healthy starches, and more. It is entirely up to you and what you prefer. 

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Cool the Instant Pot beef rapidly and store it in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for 2-3 months, retaining its quality and flavor.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the beef moist.
• Make Ahead: Cooking your beef dish in advance is highly effective. The flavors deepen and meld when allowed to rest, particularly with stews or braised dishes. Prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently for enhanced taste and aroma. This strategy not only saves time but also elevates the dining experience.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Beef Tacos: Shred the beef and use it as a filling for tacos, garnishing with fresh veggies and cheese.
• Sandwiches: Place beef chunks between crusty bread with a bit of the sauce for a juicy sandwich.
• Pasta: Combine shredded beef with pasta and a touch of the stew sauce for a hearty meal.
• Shepherd’s Pie: Use beef as a base layer, then a veggie layer, and top with mashed potatoes.
• Stir-fry: Incorporate beef into stir-fries with veggies and your favorite sauce.
• Rice Bowls: Serve beef atop a bowl of rice, maybe with steamed greens.
• Pies: Make mini pot pies using puff pastry or pie dough.

Tips

• High-Quality Beef: Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
• Sear First: Use the sauté function to brown the beef before pressure cooking, adding richness to the dish.
• Natural Release: Allow a natural pressure release to keep the beef tender.
• Layer Flavors: Incorporate garlic, onions, and herbs early in cooking for a robust taste.
• Thicken Sauce: If desired, use a cornstarch slurry post-cooking to thicken the sauce, enhancing the dish’s texture and appeal.
• Deglaze: After searing, deglaze the pot with broth or wine to lift flavorful bits, contributing to the sauce’s depth.
• Vegetable Timing: Add vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the beef rest briefly after cooking for juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.

Nutrition Table