Imagine a hearty, soul-warming stew that was perfected by sailors on the high seas, packed with tender beef, robust vegetables, and flavors that tell a story of maritime tradition. This U.S. Navy Beef Stew isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that brings military-grade deliciousness straight to your dinner table. Whether you're a history buff, a comfort food lover, or simply craving a meal that promises satisfaction in every bite, this Instant Pot recipe will transform your kitchen into a galley of gourmet greatness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes. Once hot, add a splash of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil works well) to the pot.
- Carefully add the cubed beef chuck to the pot in a single layer. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- After the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the beef and onions well. This will enhance the stew's richness.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and thyme to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This will prevent the burn notice during pressure cooking.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning later if needed.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the 'Sealing' position. Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and set the cooking time for 35 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the steam release valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Once all the pressure has been released and the lid is safe to open, remove the lid and give the stew a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the U.S. Navy Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat content helps create a rich, silky stew.
- Browning is Key: Take your time browning the beef. Those golden-brown edges develop deep, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Instant Pot Magic: Use the natural pressure release method to keep the meat incredibly tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with herbs and spices. While the recipe calls for thyme, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a simple green salad to complete your meal.
- Storage Pro Tip: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected hunger attacks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
