Looking for a way to whip up a scrumptious meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Instant Pot stews are your best friend! They're not just quick; they pack in all the flavor and comfort you crave. Imagine diving into a hearty beef stew or a savory lentil and mushroom creation. Each recipe is easy to follow and perfect for those chilly nights. Curious about what's on the menu? Let's investigate some delicious options!
Classic Beef Stew
Classic Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Cooking it in an Instant Pot notably reduces the traditional cooking time while still allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This recipe combines tender beef chunks with vegetables and a rich broth, ensuring a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Cooking Instructions:
Start by setting the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode and adding the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary.
After browning, remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Then, return the beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to "Manual" mode, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before switching to a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a thicker stew, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
You can also customize the vegetables based on your preference; mushrooms, peas, or parsnips work wonderfully.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors will deepen even further.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing meal. This stew combines tender chunks of chicken with an array of colorful vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth infused with herbs and spices.
The Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly easy, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully while greatly reducing the cooking time. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful stew that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To prepare the stew, start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and let it heat up, then toss in the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add the chicken chunks and cook until they're lightly browned. Next, add the carrots, celery, bell pepper, and green beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before switching to a quick release.
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the stew before serving.
When making this Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Other great additions include potatoes, peas, or even corn.
If you want to improve the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the broth. Remember that the stew can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Enjoy your cozy, homemade stew!
Savory Lentil and Mushroom Stew
Savory Lentil and Mushroom Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Packed with protein-rich lentils and earthy mushrooms, this stew isn't only filling but also bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.
Cooking it in an Instant Pot makes the process quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of stew in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In your Instant Pot, heat the olive oil using the sauté function. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, followed by the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some diced bacon or pancetta in the Instant Pot before adding the vegetables.
You can also customize this stew by adding other vegetables like potatoes or spinach, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the lentils with a fork or an immersion blender before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew
Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew is a delightful dish that combines tender pork with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, infused with a mix of spices that bring a warming heat. This stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, as it isn't only hearty but also packed with nutrients.
The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and easy, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the pork juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and adding the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they're softened and fragrant.
Next, add the pork cubes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sear the pork for about 5 minutes until browned.
Then, add the diced sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pork is submerged.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before switching to a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the pork in the spices and some lime juice for a few hours before cooking.
You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for additional texture and nutrition. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can blend a portion of the sweet potatoes with some of the broth and return it to the pot.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, and don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish!
Comforting Vegetarian Bean Stew
Comforting Vegetarian Bean Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. Packed with a variety of beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this stew not only nourishes the body but also comforts the soul.
It's an excellent option for a cozy dinner or to prepare in advance for meal prep. With the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious stew ready in no time, making it an effortless addition to your weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil, then sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Stir well, ensuring everything is combined. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Extra Tips:
To elevate the flavor of your Vegetarian Bean Stew, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving for a bright, zesty kick.
You can also customize the stew by incorporating other vegetables like zucchini or corn based on your preference. If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer on the sauté mode for a few extra minutes after pressure cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a great option for meal prep, and the flavors will continue to deepen over time.