Are you tired of waiting for your stew meat to defrost before cooking it? Do you want to save time and effort in the kitchen?
Look no further than your Instant Pot! With this handy kitchen appliance, you can cook frozen stew beef in no time at all.
But how long should you cook it for? In this article, we’ll explore different methods and recipes for cooking frozen stew beef in the Instant Pot.
So grab your pressure cooker and let’s get started!
How Long To Cook Frozen Stew Beef In Instant Pot?
When it comes to cooking frozen stew beef in the Instant Pot, there are a few different methods and cook times to consider.
One popular method is to simply place the frozen stew meat and beef broth in the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes with a 10 minute natural release. After breaking up the meat and adding seasonings, you can pressure cook again for 35 minutes to achieve a tender, flavorful result.
Another recipe suggests pressure cooking the frozen stew meat with beef stock for 28 minutes before adding vegetables and additional broth for a shorter cook time of just 4 minutes.
It’s important to note that cook times may vary depending on the thickness of your stew meat. A general rule of thumb is to add an extra 10 minutes of cook time per pound of meat when cooking from frozen.
Why Use An Instant Pot For Frozen Stew Beef?
Using an Instant Pot to cook frozen stew beef offers several benefits over traditional cooking methods. First and foremost, cooking frozen meat in an Instant Pot saves time. With traditional cooking methods, you would need to thaw the meat first, which can take hours or even overnight. However, with an Instant Pot, you can cook the meat directly from frozen, which means you can have a delicious meal on the table in a fraction of the time.
Another advantage of using an Instant Pot is that it helps to lock in the flavor and nutrients of the meat. The high-pressure cooking process helps to infuse the meat with flavor, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Additionally, because the Instant Pot uses less water than traditional cooking methods, more of the nutrients and natural juices are retained in the meat.
Finally, using an Instant Pot to cook frozen stew beef is a safer option than thawing the meat first. Thawing meat at room temperature can increase the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illness. By cooking the meat directly from frozen in an Instant Pot, you can eliminate this risk and ensure that your meal is safe to eat.
Preparing Frozen Stew Beef For Instant Pot Cooking
Before cooking frozen stew beef in the Instant Pot, it’s important to properly prepare it for optimal results.
First, unwrap the frozen stew meat and place it inside the pressure cooker. It’s important to note that you will not be able to brown the beef as you normally would, but this is okay.
Next, whisk together your beef broth and dry gravy mix in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture on top of the meat in the Instant Pot.
Seal the lid and steam valve and pressure cook on high for the recommended cook time. After the initial cook time, allow for a natural release before breaking up the meat and adding any additional seasonings or vegetables.
If you want a thicker gravy, remove some of the hot liquid and whisk in the remaining gravy packet before pouring it back into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and steam valve again and pressure cook for the recommended time.
It’s important to note that timing may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your stew meat. However, cooking from frozen can actually be safer than defrosting for an extended period of time.
By following these steps to properly prepare your frozen stew beef for Instant Pot cooking, you can achieve a delicious and tender result every time.
Method 1: High Pressure Cooking
One popular method for cooking frozen stew beef in the Instant Pot is to use high pressure cooking. To get started, simply place the frozen stew meat and beef broth in the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes with a 10 minute natural release. This will allow the meat to cook through and become tender.
After breaking up the meat and adding seasonings like garlic salt and pepper, you can pressure cook again for 35 minutes to achieve a more flavorful result. If you want a thicker gravy, you can take out some of the hot liquid and whisk with a gravy packet before adding it back in.
It’s important to note that cook times may vary depending on the thickness of your stew meat. For best results, add an extra 10 minutes of cook time per pound of meat when cooking from frozen. This will ensure that your stew beef is fully cooked and tender. Overall, high pressure cooking is a quick and easy method for cooking frozen stew beef in the Instant Pot.
Method 2: Low Pressure Cooking
Another method to consider when cooking frozen stew beef in the Instant Pot is low pressure cooking. This method is ideal for those who want to ensure that their beef is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
To start, cut your frozen stew beef into bite-size pieces and add them to the Instant Pot along with any desired seasonings or broth. Set the Instant Pot to low pressure and cook for 15 minutes. After the cook time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure before opening the pot and checking the beef’s doneness.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported needing a longer cook time than 15 minutes when using this method. Some suggest cutting the beef into smaller cubes or adding an extra 10-20 minutes of cook time to ensure that the beef is cooked through and tender.
Regardless of which method you choose, always make sure to follow proper safety precautions when cooking with frozen meat in the Instant Pot. And remember, while cooking from frozen can be a convenient option, it’s always best to thaw meat thoroughly before cooking for optimal results.
Recipe 1: Classic Beef Stew
If you’re looking for a classic beef stew recipe to make in your Instant Pot, look no further! This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for cold winter days and can be easily made with frozen stew meat.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 pound frozen beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
Instructions:
1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add olive oil to the pot.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the beef chuck and frozen stew meat to the pot. Sauté until browned on all sides.
4. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid and select the pressure cook function. Set the timer for 35 minutes.
6. After the timer goes off, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
7. Open the lid and add in the chopped carrots and potatoes.
8. Close the lid again and select the pressure cook function for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Once the timer goes off, quick release any remaining pressure.
10. Open the lid and give everything a good stir before serving hot.
This classic beef stew recipe is sure to become a family favorite! With just a few simple ingredients and some help from your Instant Pot, you can have a delicious and comforting meal on your table in no time.
Recipe 2: Spicy Beef And Vegetable Stew
If you’re looking for a flavorful and spicy beef and vegetable stew recipe, look no further than this delicious option. To start, you’ll need a jar of meatless pasta sauce and some olive or vegetable oil for sautéing.
Begin by sautéing the beef in the oil until it’s browned, then add in some minced onion, cinnamon, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and cardamom. Cook until the meat is almost fully cooked, which should take around 50-60 minutes. Add more water as needed to keep the mixture from drying out.
While the meat is cooking, peel, wash, and chop up some carrots and potatoes. You’ll need about 3 potatoes, 3 carrots, and 1 cup of peas for this recipe. Once the meat is almost fully cooked, add in the chopped vegetables and some beef broth. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper if needed.
Next, add in some minced garlic and tomato sauce to give the stew a rich flavor. Cook until the vegetables are fully cooked and the stew has thickened up nicely. This should take around 20 minutes.
This spicy beef and vegetable stew is perfect for a cold winter day or any time you’re in the mood for a hearty meal. It’s easy to make in your Instant Pot and can be customized to your liking with different spices and vegetables. Give it a try today!
