Sneaky2021
Novice Foodie
Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who loves efficient cooking, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. Its ability to cook a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to delicate desserts, makes it a must-have in any modern kitchen.


Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Beef: Set the Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring each piece is seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) or a bit of the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the beef back to the pot along with the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' and stir in the slurry, cooking until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!