Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

#### Instructions:

1. **Sear the Beef**:
Begin by turning on your Instant Pot and setting it to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per batch. This step enhances the flavor of the beef and helps develop a rich, savory base for your stew.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables**:
After the beef is browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. **Deglaze the Pot**:
Pour in the red wine (or additional beef broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor, and deglazing the pot will ensure your stew has a rich, deep taste.

4. **Add the Broth and Seasonings**:
Add the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and the seasonings are evenly distributed.

5. **Pressure Cook the Stew**:
Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot, followed by the chopped carrots and potatoes. Stir to combine. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) on high pressure for 35 minutes.

6. **Release the Pressure**:
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and discard the bay leaves.

7. **Thicken the Stew (Optional)**:
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a quick slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the stew and set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again. Let the stew simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

8. **Garnish and Serve**:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

#### Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Beef Stew:
– **Beef Choice**: For the best flavor and tenderness, choose a cut like chuck roast or stew beef. These cuts become tender after cooking under pressure and are full of rich beef flavor.
– **Vegetables**: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, celery, or turnips for additional flavor and variety. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
– **Wine Substitute**: While red wine adds depth and richness to the stew, you can omit it or substitute with an additional cup of beef broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
– **Frozen Vegetables**: In a pinch, you can use frozen carrots and peas instead of fresh ones. Just add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

#### Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Stew:
This Instant Pot Beef Stew is everything you want in a comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. The pressure cooking process helps tenderize the beef and meld the flavors together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop or slow-cooking methods. Plus, the Instant Pot does most of the work for you, leaving you with more time to relax or prep other parts of your meal.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or preparing a meal for leftovers, this stew will quickly become a go-to recipe. The tender beef, soft vegetables, and savory broth make it a satisfying dish that will warm you from the inside out.