Is there anything better than a warm, hearty stew on a chilly day? If you’re seeking comfort with a touch of ease, look no further than our Instant Pot Beef Stew with Zucchini. It’s a delightful marriage of tender beef, fresh zucchini, and fragrant herbs, all cooked to perfection in your trusty Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Instant Pot
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Stew Zucchini – Step By Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Carefully chop the zucchini into slices and cube the potatoes. Slice the carrots and chop the onion. Gathering all these ingredients beforehand makes your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.
Step 2 – Sauté the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function, add a drizzle of oil to the pot, and let it heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks. Sauté the beef until it’s well-browned on all sides. This caramelization step is vital for building depth in flavor.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables and Spices
After the beef is browned, add the chopped onions, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly to blend and release their fragrant aroma. Then, add in the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes, stirring everything to coat the vegetables well.
Step 4 – Pressure Cook the Stew
Add the tomato paste and beef broth into the pot. Ensure everything is mixed well. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 30 minutes. The pressure cook feature ensures that flavors permeate the beef and vegetables.
Step 5 – Add Zucchini
Once the cooking time has elapsed, quick release the pressure. Open the lid carefully, and add sliced zucchini. Switch to the sauté function and let the stew simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will allow the zucchini to cook without becoming mushy.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Stew Zucchini
Serve your delicious stew in deep bowls to capture all the lush, warm broth. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread to make this meal even more comforting.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth. You can also add a splash of red wine along with the broth for an extra layer of depth. Always ensure you deglaze the pot after sautéing the beef to prevent any bits from burning during cooking.
Pumped-Up Protein Version
To turn this stew into a high-protein powerhouse, add more meat such as ground beef or chunks of chuck roast. You might also incorporate chickpeas or beans if you’re okay with additional carbs, as they provide an excellent protein boost.
Low Carb Sensation: A Variation Worth Trying
If you’re keeping carbs in check, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. They mimic the potato’s texture without excess carbs. Zucchini noodles can also be a fun, low-carb swap for traditional noodles if you enjoy experimenting.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you’d like to freeze it, consider batching it into individual portions. This stew freezes well and can be reheated over a gentle stovetop heat for a quick meal.
FAQs
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely, feel free to toss in vegetables like peas or bell peppers.
- Is this stew freezer-friendly? Yes, it can be frozen for up to three months.
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Chicken can be an excellent alternative, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
- How do I thicken the stew? You can thicken the stew by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water during the final simmer.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today!
This Instant Pot Beef Stew with Zucchini is a delightful dish combining timeless flavors with modern cooking efficiency. Enjoy the mingling of juicy beef and comforting vegetables with minimal preparation and cleanup time. Try it today, let us know your thoughts, and don’t forget to share it with friends!
Instant Pot Beef Stew with Zucchini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef stew meat
- zucchini
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- beef broth
- tomato paste
- garlic powder
- thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare your ingredients: chop the zucchini, cube the potatoes, slice the carrots, and chop the onion.
- Set the Instant Pot to saute, add oil, and brown the beef cubes thoroughly.
- Add onions, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in carrots and potatoes.
- Add tomato paste and beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are mixed. Set to pressure cook for 30 minutes.
- After pressure cooking, quick release the pressure, add zucchini, and let simmer for 7 minutes on the saute setting.
- Serve hot with a garnish of parsley.