Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite? Look no further than this Instant Pot Lumberjack Stew! Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, this American classic is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a taste of home. In just 60 minutes, you can whip up a deliciously filling dish that serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a stew that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes if not already done. Dice potatoes into 1-inch chunks, slice carrots, and chop onion.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. Ensure meat is at room temperature before cooking.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown meat in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, to develop rich flavor. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
- Return browned meat to the pot. Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, beef broth, and any remaining seasonings.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for remaining pressure.
- Open lid, stir stew, and let sit for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and meat in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Browning is Key: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the beef enhances the flavor of your stew, giving it a rich, deep taste that makes all the difference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the dish. If possible, opt for fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry if needed.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg