The Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that has multiple settings to cook different dishes. One of the pre-set options on many Instant Pot models is the “beef stew” setting.
What does the beef stew setting do?
The beef stew setting on the Instant Pot is designed to cook beef stew ingredients under pressure for a specific amount of time. The timed preset helps ensure the beef pieces and vegetables in the stew cook properly and become tender.
Specifically, when you select the beef stew setting, here is what happens:
- The Instant Pot pressurizes and reaches a target temperature of around 240°F (115°C). This high temperature helps break down the connective tissues in tougher cuts of beef.
- The contents are cooked under pressure for a default time of 35 minutes. This timing is based on cooking 1-1.5 lbs (450-675g) of beef stew meat. The time can be adjusted based on quantity.
- After cooking completes, the Instant Pot drops the pressure and switches to a “keep warm” setting.
So in short, the beef stew preset automates the pressurized cooking times and temperatures needed to properly prepare a beef stew in the Instant Pot.
Does it work for any beef stew recipe?
The beef stew preset works for most basic beef stew recipes that use around 1-1.5 lbs (450-675g) of beef. However, there are some limitations:
- The default 35 minute cook time may need to be adjusted if you are making a very large batch of stew with multiple pounds of meat.
- Recipes with a lot of extra vegetables or very dense root veggies like potatoes may also need a longer cook time.
- Thickening agents should only be added at the end after releasing the pressure. Flour, cornstarch, etc. can break down under extended pressure cooking.
- Dairy products like milk or cream should also be added after pressure cooking to prevent curdling.
So while the beef stew function works for basic recipes, the cook time may need to be tweaked for larger quantities or certain ingredients. Checking the stew and adding more time if needed is recommended.
Benefits of the beef stew preset
Here are some of the benefits of using the Instant Pot’s preset beef stew function:
- Takes the guesswork out of cook times – The programmed times ensure the beef breaks down properly.
- Automates the pressurizing and depressurizing – Making beef stew is simple “one pot” cooking.
- Gives consistent results – The preset takes the variability out of cooking beef stew.
- Allows hands-off cooking – Just set it and the Instant Pot does the work.
- Saves time – Stews can cook 3-4 times faster than conventional methods.
For tender, flavorful beef stew with minimal effort, the beef stew preset delivers. It produces the high heat and pressure needed to break down tough beef cuts and meld flavors.
Tips for getting the best results
Here are some tips to ensure your Instant Pot beef stew turns out perfect when using the preset function:
- Cut the beef and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use stewing beef or a tough cut like chuck roast. Trim excess fat which can limit browning.
- Sauté the beef first tobrown for added flavor.
- Deglaze the pot after sautéing by adding broth or wine to scrape up browned bits.
- Ensure the liquid covers the solids by at least 1 inch (2.5cm).
- Allow for 10-15 minute natural pressure release after cooking before opening the lid.
- Check the beef is fork tender after cooking. Add more time if needed.
- Finish by adding dairy, starch, or other thickeners if desired.
Following these tips will reward you with a rich, hearty beef stew cooked to perfection!
Recommended cook times
The default beef stew cook time is 35 minutes under high pressure. However, this chart provides general time adjustments based on stew quantity:
| Amount of Beef | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 0.5 – 1 lb (225 – 450g) | 25 minutes |
| 1 – 1.5 lbs (450 – 675g) | 35 minutes (default time) |
| 1.5 – 2 lbs (675 – 900g) | 40-45 minutes |
| 2 – 3 lbs (900g – 1.5kg) | 50-60 minutes |
These times are just guidelines. Checking doneness and adjusting as needed is recommended. Tougher cuts made benefit from extra time.
Adjusting the cook time
The Instant Pot beef stew preset cook time can be adjusted if needed. Here are instructions for various models:
Lux Series
- Select the “Stew” function using the dial.
- Press the “Adjust” button to change the time as desired.
- The light will flash when adjusted. Press the pressure cook button to start.
Duo Series
- Select the “Stew/Meat” preset.
- Use the “+” and “-” buttons to change the displayed time up or down.
- Hit “Start” to begin pressure cooking.
Smart Series (WiFi)
- In the app, select Beef Stew from preset programs.
- Adjust the cook time by tapping the time displayed.
- Select “Start” in the app to start cooking.
Refer to your specific model’s manual for any other time adjustment instructions. A minute or two longer for larger quantities can make a difference.
Modifying the beef stew preset
In addition to cook time, some Instant Pot models allow further customization of the beef stew preset:
- Adjust pressure level – Toggle between high and low pressure as desired.
- Sauté first – Choose to sauté ingredients before pressure cooking.
- Adjust keep warm time – Increase or decrease the post-cooking keep warm duration.
Consult your device manual for details on saving custom programs. Tailoring the preset to your specific stew recipe can give you perfect results every time.
Best practices
Here is a quick summary of best practices when using the Instant Pot for beef stew:
- Cut beef into 1-inch cubes and vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Sauté beef first for browning if desired.
- Deglaze inner pot after sautéing.
- Add cooking liquid to cover solids by 1-inch minimum.
- Use 35 minutes cook time for 1-1.5 lbs of beef as baseline.
- Allow 10-15 minutes natural pressure release before opening lid.
- Check doneness and adjust time if needed.
- Add dairy or thickeners after pressure cooking.
Following these tips will help ensure perfect beef stew every time you use the handy preset program. Just chop, toss in the pot, and let the Instant Pot do the work!
Common questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Instant Pot’s beef stew setting:
Is browning the beef necessary?
Browning the beef first is optional but recommended. It adds deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Can you use frozen beef?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat. The cook time may need to be increased 5-10 minutes. Defrosting first can help prevent uneven cooking.
What if the stew isn’t thick enough?
Add a slurry of cornstarch and water at the end and simmer briefly to thicken. Or use a prepared thickener product like a roux mix.
What liquid works best for the stew?
Beef broth or stock gives the best flavor, but you can also use red wine, beer, tomatoes, or water.
Should the Instant Pot be full for stew?
No, the inner pot should only be 1/3 to 1/2 full for optimal pressurized cooking.
Conclusion
The beef stew preset on Instant Pot takes the work and guesswork out of making tender, flavorful beef stew. It provides the ideal cooking times and temperature to break down tougher beef cuts. While this function works great for basic stews, the cook time may need adjustment for larger quantities or recipe tweaks. Following best practices for ingredients and liquid will yield amazing results. With the press of a button, you can enjoy hearty homemade beef stew any night of the week!