Quick and Easy Instant Pot Stew Recipes

In the ever-evolving world of cooking, the Instant Pot has emerged as a game-changer, especially for those with a busy lifestyle who still crave home-cooked meals. This innovative kitchen appliance has revolutionized the way we prepare dishes, notably stews which traditionally require hours of simmering. Here, we dive into some quick and easy Instant Pot stew recipes that promise rich flavors and tender textures in record time.

Why Choose Instant Pot for Stews?

The Instant Pot’s ability to pressure cook, combined with its sauté, steam, and slow-cook functions, makes it the perfect tool for preparing stews. It reduces cooking time significantly while allowing ingredients to meld their flavors beautifully. Here are the key benefits:

• Time Efficiency: A meal that traditionally takes hours can now be prepared in under an hour.
• Flavor Infusion: The pressure environment helps to lock in flavors and juices, resulting in tastier stews.
• Simplicity: All-in-one functionality means less hassle with fewer dishes to clean.

Beef and Ale Stew

This Beef and Ale Stew is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or when you need something hearty. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dark ale or stout beer
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cornstarch for thickening, if needed
• Instructions:
  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and brown the beef chunks on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
  3. Pour in beef broth and ale, stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Add carrots and potatoes.
  4. Secure the lid, set to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
  5. After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  6. Check the stew; if it needs thickening, you can either mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).

⚠️ Note: Be cautious when handling hot steam during the quick-release.

Vegetarian Lentil Stew

Looking for a vegetarian alternative? This Lentil Stew is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh spinach or kale for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Use the sauté function to heat olive oil, then cook onions and garlic until soft.
  2. Add carrots and celery, sauté for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Secure the lid, set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
  5. After cooking, perform a quick-release. Stir in fresh greens if using, allow them to wilt before serving.

This concludes our exploration of quick and easy Instant Pot stew recipes. These dishes not only save time but also offer a way to enjoy robust flavors and comforting meals. They can be easily adapted to include your favorite vegetables or to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone at the table can savor a homemade stew with minimal effort.

Can I use frozen meat in my Instant Pot stew?

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Yes, you can use frozen meat in an Instant Pot, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50-100% to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.

What’s the best way to thicken stew in an Instant Pot?

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The simplest methods include: - Mashing some of the stewed vegetables like potatoes or carrots. - Using a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to add after cooking. - Reducing the stew by allowing some liquid to evaporate in sauté mode.

Can I make stews ahead of time and freeze them?

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Absolutely! Stews freeze well. Cool them to room temperature, then store in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.