This hearty beef stew combines tender meat with rich chocolate stout for a flavor-packed meal. It’s perfect for cozy nights and easy to make in your Instant Pot!
I love how this stew fills the house with a warm, delicious smell. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can enjoy it without waiting too long! Perfect for those busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This is the star of the stew. Its marbling makes it tender and flavorful when cooked. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with beef sirloin, though it may require less cooking time.
Chocolate Stout Beer: This adds richness and depth to the stew. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a dark non-alcoholic beer or a mix of beef broth with a bit of cocoa powder can work too!
Vegetables: I love using carrots and celery for their sweetness and texture. Feel free to swap in potatoes or parsnips, depending on what you have on hand!
Tomato Paste: It thickens the stew and adds a great umami flavor. If you need a substitute, try using crushed tomatoes or even some tomato sauce in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on the Beef?
Searing the beef is key to unlocking rich flavors in your stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; this helps create a nice caramelized crust.
- Let the beef cubes sit in the pot without stirring for a few minutes so they can brown evenly.
- Don’t rush the process. Take your time to let the beef get a nice dark color, as it adds depth to the stew.
These small steps will add wonderful flavor to your stew that you’ll taste in every bite!
Instant Pot Chocolate Stout Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1- to 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chocolate stout beer
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stew will take around 15 minutes of prep time and about 50 minutes of cooking time, including pressure build-up and release. You can have a hearty, comforting dinner ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Make sure to remove the browned beef and set it aside as you work through the rest of the meat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pot. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This is where the magical aroma begins!
3. Build the Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. After that, pour in the chocolate stout beer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to mix and enhance the flavors.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine!
5. Pressure Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high pressure for 35 minutes. This is when all those flavors come together beautifully.
6. Release the Pressure:
When the cooking ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure is fully released.
7. Final Touches:
Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves! If you like your stew thicker, mix the flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and keep stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Give the stew a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, along with some crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes. Enjoy this rich, flavorful meal!
Wishing you a cozy and delightful dinner with your Instant Pot Chocolate Stout Beef Stew! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just be mindful that different cuts may require varying cooking times.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What If I Don’t Have Chocolate Stout?
If you can’t find chocolate stout, any dark beer like porter or stout will work. You can also substitute with beef broth and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
Can I Make This Stew in Advance?
Yes! This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in a microwave before serving.
