Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 680 mg
Why Make This Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery
This Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery is perfect for busy weeknights and chilly days when comfort food is a must. The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time dramatically, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing the stew with rich, savory flavors. Pairing the beef with peas and celery not only adds a lovely pop of color but also brings a fresh crunch to each bite. This recipe is simple enough for coking novices yet delicious enough to impress guests. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method, you get a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This step not only enhances the flavor with a nice brown crust but also adds depth to your stew.
### Step 2: Adding Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become tender and fragrant. The aroma filling your kitchen will make your mouth water!
### Step 3: Mixing Ingredients
Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings work together to create a rich and savory base for your stew. Make sure everything is well combined.
### Step 4: Cooking
Pour in the beef broth and mix well, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on ‘Stew’ or ‘Manual’ mode for 35 minutes. This is when the magic happens, as all the flavors meld beautifully together.
### Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure to let out the steam. Carefully open the lid, and stir in the frozen peas. Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the peas to warm through. Enjoy your beef stew!
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery
Serve this delicious beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or served over fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It’s also perfect for lunch the next day, giving you a delightful reminder of that comforting dinner.
How to Store Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop until hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef with seasonings a few hours before cooking.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) after the cooking cycle and let it thicken on ‘Sauté’ mode.
- Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand; potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans work great too.
- If you’re short on time, pre-chopped veggies or frozen veggie mixes can be a real time-saver.
Delicious Variations
- Herb-Infused: Add a bouquet garni of fresh herbs such as rosemary and bay leaves for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Wine Lover’s Stew: Add 1/2 cup of red wine along with the beef broth for an even deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to about 20 minutes for chicken.
2. Is it necessary to brown the beef?
While it’s not mandatory, browning the beef enhances the stew’s flavor and adds depth by creating a fond at the bottom of the pot.
3. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used; however, add them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
4. How can I make this stew more nutritious?
You can add a variety of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added vitamins and minerals.
5. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time, and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
With its tender beef, delightful vegetables, and robust flavors, this Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! So, gather the ingredients, whip out your Instant Pot, and enjoy the beauty of a hearty meal made in a fraction of the time. Happy cooking!
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Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew with Peas and Celery
- Author: lydia
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and comforting beef stew made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, featuring tender beef, fresh peas, and crunchy celery.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add olive oil. Brown the cubed beef stew meat on all sides.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Pour in beef broth, mix, and scrape up any browned bits. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on ‘Stew’ or ‘Manual’ mode for 35 minutes.
- Perform a quick release of pressure, open the lid, and stir in the frozen peas. Let the stew sit before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef a few hours prior to cooking. Add cornstarch slurry for a thicker stew.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





