Instant Pot® Stew Using Frozen Meat

Have you ever planned on making stew for dinner but forgot to take the meat out of the freezer? This happens to me all the time so I developed this beef stew recipe using frozen meat.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ cup dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 (1 pound) packages cubed beef stew meat, frozen
• 5 large baking potato, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 6 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery ribs, sliced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Steps

1. Turn on a multi-cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Heat oil for 1 minute. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour in red wine and continue cooking until wine has reduced by 1/2, about 3 minutes. Add beef broth, thyme, parsley, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Add tomato paste and stir. Place frozen meat on top. Add potatoes, carrots, and celery.
2. Close and lock the lid. Close the vent. Select Meat/Stew button according to manufacturer’s instructions; set timer for 45 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
3. Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 10 minutes. Carefully move the vent to release remaining pressure using the quick-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 5 minutes.
4. Unlock and remove the lid. Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl and slowly pour into the pot. Select the Saute function and cook until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.