Instant Pot Spicy Beef Stew

I don't know about you but as a mom of two busy littles I find I am always scrambling to get dinner on the table before the children get hangry or their bedtime arrives. Enter the Instant Pot. It is an electric pressure cooker and probably by far the best machine I have ever bought for my kitchen since the KitchenAid mixer came out.

I was able to make this wonderful Beef Stew in about 45 minutes tops including prep, cook, and dishing up time. The meat falls apart, the carrots are cooked through, the potatoes tender, and the flavor is like you slow cooked it.

I will probably continue to share my favorite things to make in my lovely Instant Pot in the future here but feel free to comment with questions about this nifty device. Keep an eye on online retailers as I have seen it go on sale multiple times in the last year.

Bonus points as this is a Whole30 compliant meal. If you are unfamiliar with Whole30 you basically remove all processed foods and sugar. Meats, veggies (aside from legumes like peas), fruit, nuts (except peanuts) and oils, eggs are on the menu for Whole30 meals. That excludes grains, legumes, sugar, alcohol, carrageenan, msg, or sulfites,and dairy. Also off the list are baked goods/treats make with approved items like banana pancakes or ice cream. paleo pizzas. I have completed two 30 day whole30 challenges and am gearing up for another.  For more information click here.

Instant Pot Spicy Beef Stew

3 lbs beef stew meat
2 -3 tablespoons of coconut oil
4-6 garlic cloves, minced (I use a garlic press)
1/2 large onion, chopped
5 good size carrots, chopped to 1 1/2 inch pieces
5-6 medium Yukon potatoes, chopped to 1 1/2 inch pieces
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2-2 1/2 cups broth/beef broth
2-3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons of chipotle paste (go easy )
2 teaspoon oregano
salt
pepper

Turn Saute button on and add coconut oil. While it heats salt and pepper the meat. Once melted add beef stew meat and brown on all sides (as best as you can with that much meat. Roughly 4-5 minutes.) Add garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, chipotle paste, broth, and then spices. Stir up to combined and put the lid on. Make sure steam valve is set to seal. Turn on to meat/stew button for 35 minutes. When 35 minutes is up, turn off Instantpot and quick release the valve. Be careful of the steam. You are also welcome to just let it naturally release if you have the time. I did not tonight.

Serve.  Delicious. This was slightly spicy. Some may find it too spicy. If you are that person then just leave off the chipotle paste.

I hope if you try my recipe you come back and tell me how you liked it, or how you modified it for your family!

Cheers!