Quick and Easy Beef Instant Pot Recipes

Beef and Vegetable Stew

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of beef stew to warm you up on chilly evenings. Here’s how to make an instant pot version that’s both quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Follow:

1. Brown the Beef:

   • Turn on the Sauté function of your Instant Pot. Add a little oil and brown the beef chunks on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onions until they are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, peas, beef broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine.

4. Pressure Cook:

   • Secure the lid, set to Sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 35 minutes.

5. Natural Release:

   • Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

6. Season and Serve:

   • Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

🍲 Note: If the stew seems too liquid, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of flour with water and adding it to the pot, then letting it simmer for a few minutes with the Sauté function.

Beef Burrito Bowl

For a delightful twist on traditional tacos or burritos, try making burrito bowls in your Instant Pot. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups water or beef broth
• Salt to taste
• Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, cilantro

Steps:

1. Sauté Beef:

   • Use the Sauté function to cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Add Seasoning and Rice:

   • Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, stir well. Add rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and liquid. Stir everything together.

3. Cook:

   • Lock the lid, set to Sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 6 minutes.

4. Release and Rest:

   • Quick-release the pressure once done. Fluff the rice with a fork.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon the mixture into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a classic dish that’s made effortlessly easy with an Instant Pot. Here’s how to whip it up:

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs beef (preferably sirloin or chuck), cut into strips
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Noodles or rice for serving

Steps:

1. Sauté Beef:

   • Melt butter in the Instant Pot using the Sauté mode. Brown the beef strips in batches, set aside.

2. Cook Aromatics:

   • In the same pot, cook onions until soft. Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until mushrooms release their moisture.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.

4. Pressure Cook:

   • Lock the lid, set to Sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 20 minutes.

5. Thicken and Add Sour Cream:

   • Quick-release the pressure. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, let it heat through for a minute or two.

6. Serve:

   • Serve over cooked noodles or rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

🍜 Note: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, temper it by mixing a little of the hot beef mixture into the cream before adding all to the pot.

Final thoughts on beef dishes prepared with the Instant Pot, we’ve covered three recipes that showcase just how versatile and convenient this kitchen appliance can be. Whether you’re looking for a cozy stew, a festive burrito bowl, or a hearty beef stroganoff, the Instant Pot ensures your meal is ready in a fraction of the traditional cooking time, keeping flavors intact and the cleanup minimal.

Can I make these recipes with other types of meat?

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Absolutely! While these recipes call for beef, you can substitute with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust the cooking times according to the meat’s tenderness requirements.

How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?

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Creating a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and stirring it into the stew while on Sauté mode can thicken it up nicely. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

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Yes, all these dishes can be made in advance. They often taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.