This Whole30 Instant Pot Beef Stew is ready to enjoy in under an hour, you’ll be able to enjoy a comforting bowl of beef stew in no time!
whole30 instant pot beef stew
Growing up, my mom would make a huge pot of comforting beef stew in the winter, and it’s one of my favorite memories; the beef stew would simmer all day on the stove, and mom would serve a side side salad with crackers. It’s one of my favorite food memories.
Mom’s version came from an old cookbook; the red and white checkered variety which called for V8 juice – something we always had in the fridge anyway [dad’s fave] so adding it to a pot of beef stew made sense.
You don’t have to use V8; any tomato juice will also work, but V8 is a compliant whole30 add-in, so you can use it.
This beef stew would simmer for hours on the stove [a slow-cooker would have probably been more efficient?] to get the beef nice and tender – like fall apart tender, and it was amazing. But! Do you know what’s even more amazing? Achieving the same tender beef with the help of an Instant Pot! Or any electric pressure cooker.
How long to pressure cook this beef stew
Similar recipes suggest 45 minutes of high pressure before allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release. I found the veggies to be too soft + mushy for my liking. So, after a second attempt, I found that 30 minutes at high pressure followed by releasing the steam naturally for 10 minutes worked best for me. This cooking time allows the beef to tenderize and the vegetables to become more tender but not mushy.
I love to add diced potatoes like the classic recipe calls for, but if you’re watching your carbs, feel free to omit, and serve over mashed cauliflower instead.
How to get a thick broth that’s not too soupy
To thicken the broth in this beef stew recipe, I suggest mixing tapioca starch with water to create a slurry. Your stew won’t be too thick to enjoy, but we also don’t want a soup-like vibe and texture here.
Tapioca starch is gluten-free and vegan. It’s a common thickening agent to have in your pantry for paleo and whole30 recipes.
TDLR; it’s less processed (derived from cassava root) than other starches.
You can also use arrowroot powder, or if you’re not on a whole30 you can use cornstarch in a pinch.
other recipes to make
whole30 instant pot beef stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 1-2-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil - or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1 cup beef broth - or stock, or bone broth
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 1/2 cups red potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 cup sliced celery, roughly chopped
- 3 cups tomato juice - such as V8
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil spice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- To your instant pot/electric pressure cooker, add avocado oil and turn on the saute function. Allow pot to heat (will indicate "hot" when ready).
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Once hot, add beef (may need to do this in batches) and saute until all sides are browned.
- Add beef broth to deglaze the bottom of the pot for 3 minutes; stir and scrape the bottom to remove any browned beef bits.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato juice, garlic and spices - stir to combine. Make sure that the release valve is in the sealing position. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn and lock the lid.
- Using the stew/meat setting, set timer for 30 minutes. then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Mix together tapioca starch and cold water in a small bowl to create slurry. With the sauté function on and while stirring, slowly pour the slurry into the beef stew, stirring, until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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This is just the dinner I need! It’s so cold here! This looks so cozy and delicious!
This will quickly become a favorite in my house!
Looks like a new favorite in my house!
What a clever use of V8!! Great idea!
Beef stew is one of my absolute favorite meals! Yum!