Instant Pot Ground Beef Stew
Overview: A comforting and hearty stew adapted for the convenience of ground beef, perfect for a quick yet satisfying family meal.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients: Ground beef, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onions, beef broth, garlic, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves.
Who says a classic beef stew needs to take all day to cook? I'm excited to share with you a delightful twist on this traditional dish – the Instant Pot Ground Beef Stew. This recipe is a testament to how we can adapt classic recipes for our fast-paced lives without sacrificing flavor or heartiness.
In this version, we swap the usual stew meat with ground beef, a versatile and quicker-cooking alternative that makes this dish an easy ground beef instant pot recipe. The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it significantly cuts down the cooking time, making what used to be a weekend cooking project into a feasible weeknight dinner.
Despite the time-saving approach, this stew doesn't skimp on the rich, comforting flavors we all love. It's filled with tender vegetables and infused with savory herbs, creating a dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for those evenings when you want a wholesome meal without the wait, this instant pot ground beef recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
So, whether you're a busy parent looking for quick meal solutions or simply a fan of hearty stews, this ground beef recipe for the Instant Pot is a game-changer. Let's dive into how to create this comforting dish that promises to warm your belly and your heart.
Detailed Recipe: Instant Pot Ground Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for browning)
Instructions:
Prep Ingredients: Start by preparing your vegetables – dice the onions, carrots, and potatoes, and mince the garlic.
Brown the Ground Beef: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add a splash of olive oil and the ground beef. Cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions start to become translucent. Add the carrots and potatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot (this adds flavor and prevents burning).
Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to 'sealing.' Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the time for 15 minutes.
Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to 'venting' for quick release.
Final Touches: Open the lid once the pressure is fully released. Remove the bay leaf and give the stew a good stir. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stew hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.