Mediterranean Beef Stew: A Warm Hug in a Bowl!

Are you tired of the same old beef stew recipe? Do you want to spice up your dinner routine and travel to the vibrant Mediterranean region without leaving your kitchen? Look no further than this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe!

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to make flavorful and tender meals in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. This recipe utilizes the pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot to create a mouthwatering medley of flavors that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece, Italy, and beyond.

Crafted with succulent boneless beef chuck, aromatic herbs and spices, black pepper, and dried fruits such as dates, this dish is full of rich and bold flavors that will leave you craving for more. It’s a hearty meal that satisfies both meat lovers and veggie enthusiasts, making it perfect for any occasion.

In this recipe article, I’ll provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious mediterranean beef stew easily in your own kitchen. Plus, I’ll give you some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

So why not try something new tonight? Come along with me on this culinary adventure with my Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to the Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew Recipe? This is a recipe worth trying, and let me tell you why.

Firstly, the flavorful combination of spices, including dried oregano and black pepper, used in this recipe will satisfy your taste buds like never before. These ingredients are not only savory but also healthy, so you can have heartiness and flavor without guilt.

Secondly, this dish is extremely versatile; it caters to various dietary restrictions such as paleo or keto diets. So, whether you’re on a health kick or have food preferences, this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew Recipe has your name on it.

Thirdly, the cooking time for this dish using an instant pot is much shorter than other traditional methods such as slow cooking or dutch oven. The amazing aspect of the Instant Pot is that it tenderizes tough meat with ease giving you a fall-off-the-bone texture that would make anybody swoon.

Lastly but not least, the flavorsome aroma that permeates from this stew will lure everyone to gather around the table anticipating a delectable meal. If you are looking for an impressive meal that will make your house guests or family love you more than ever before, then look no further than the Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew Recipe.

With this recipe under your belt, dinner time will just be an excuse for consumption; every bite gives rise to a myriad of textures and flavors sure to please all palates. Trust me when I say that this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew Recipe will transform any mundane dinner into an effortless and enjoyable experience.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew:

Meat:

• 2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 shallots, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 eggplant, chopped into 1-inch cubes

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt

Liquids:

• 1/2 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth

Sauces and Pastes:

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

To cook and serve:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions and let’s get started!

Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef

Set your instant pot (make sure it is on sauté setting) and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Wait a few moments for the oil to heat up, then put in the 2 lbs boneless beef chuck cut into 1-2-inch cubes. Season the beef with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté until all sides are nicely browned (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Cook Shallots, Onion, and Garlic

Add 2 cups sliced onion, 2 shallots chopped, and 1 garlic clove minced to the pot with the beef. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and mix well to combine into a paste with the vegetables. Cook for an additional minute if needed until combined. Be sure to scrape off the bottom of the pot with a spatula to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add 1/2 cup red wine, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 4 cups beef broth, and 8 pitted dates, plus Sprinkle in 1 tsp of dried oregano into the pot. Give everything a good stir, making sure there are no clumps from stirring in the flour.

Step 5: Set Your Instant Pot

Close your instant pot lid, turn on high pressure (meat/stew setting) for 90 minutes.

Step 6: Release Pressure

Once done cooking, let it naturally release from pressure for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Shredding the Beef

Remove the lid and take out the beef. Using a fork, shred the beef and then return it to the instant pot with any remaining sauce.

And Voila! You now have a tasty Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe that will make your family and friends happy!

You can serve it with a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Are you looking for ways to customize your Mediterranean beef stew recipe even further? Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

– Vegetarian/Vegan: If you want to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, you can swap the beef stew meat for a plant-based protein source such as mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of ingredient you choose.

– Lamb: For a deeper flavor, try using lamb instead of beef in this recipe. Lamb is also a staple meat in Mediterranean cuisine and can add another layer of authenticity to this recipe.

– Spices: While we love the combination of dried oregano and black pepper in this recipe, feel free to switch up the spices to suit your taste buds. You can experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme or basil. A pinch of smoked paprika can also offer a nice smoky flavor.

– Tomatoes: If you want to add extra tanginess to your stew, try adding diced canned tomatoes or tomato sauce along with the other ingredients. It will also give your dish an additional pop of color.

– Vegetables: You can easily incorporate more veggies into your dish by adding them during the cooking process. Eggplants or zucchinis would be excellent options to use in this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized cubes and add them at the same time as the potatoes.

– Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven: If you don’t have an instant pot, no worries. You can still make this delicious stew using a slow cooker or Dutch oven instead. Both methods will require more cook time than an instant pot but will be equally flavorful.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of ways to put your spin on this Mediterranean beef stew recipe. These substitutions and variations are just some starting points for getting creative with your dish. Enjoy!

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving Mediterranean Beef Stew, you have a number of tasty options. Because the stew has such bold flavors, it pairs nicely with simple sides that won’t compete, like crusty bread and a simple green salad. Soft, buttery dinner rolls are also a great choice for sopping up any leftover gravy in your bowl.

If you’re craving a heartier meal, you might enjoy serving your stew over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or ribbon noodles. I find that the starch neutralizes the bold flavors and brings out the savory richness of the meat.

For beverages, consider pouring yourself (and guests) glasses of red wine. A dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah would cut through the richness and balance out the dish perfectly.

Finally, if you have any leftovers, try freezing them for another day. It’s easy to reheat and enjoy this stew on its own for a quick and filling dinner or as a base for another dish. For example, pairing it with some warm pita bread for a deconstructed gyro inspired wrap or serve it over pasta garnished with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Overall, this Mediterranean Beef stew is an all-around winner that’s perfect for showcasing different flavors and textures together into one delicious meal!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the greatest things about this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it for later. This allows for easy meal prep and saves time on busy weeknights.

To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions and let the beef stew cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

When reheating, there are a few different methods depending on what equipment you have available. If you are using a microwave, simply place the desired amount of beef stew in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

If you prefer to use a stovetop or oven, transfer the beef stew into a pot or casserole dish and cook over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

It’s worth noting that this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew is also an ideal dish for meal prep enthusiasts as the flavors develop well after sitting in your refrigerator overnight, so preparing it in advance is strongly encouraged.

Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer if it will not be used within three days. And then, relish the meal again whenever you’re ready to savor its rich and hearty Mediterranean flavors once more!

Tips for Perfect Results

As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I’ve had to work with many different types of meats, including beef. Over the years, I’ve learned some tips on how to cook the perfect pot of beef stew using an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker. Here are some of my top tips:

1. Brown the meat before cooking

To add more depth of flavor to your stew, brown the meat before cooking it in the Instant Pot. This will also give the beef a nice, caramelized crust that adds texture and richness to the finished dish.

2. Add aromatics to enhance flavor

Aromatics like garlic, onions, and shallots are important ingredients in any beef stew recipe. They add flavor, depth, and complexity to dishes by releasing their natural oils during cooking.

3. Use enough liquid

When cooking beef stew in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, ensure there is always enough liquid to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. The broth should cover most of the ingredients in the pot.

4. Don’t overfill the Instant Pot

It’s important not to overfill your Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker when making a stew recipe as it may result in uneven cooking and can cause clogging issues.

5. Release pressure manually

For this specific recipe, I’d recommend releasing pressure manually instead of using natural release for a more tender result.

6. Use dried herbs rather than fresh

Dried herbs are stronger than fresh ones and can withstand pressure cooking much better without losing their flavors.

7. Let it rest before serving

Resting time is crucial for the meat to absorb flavors and become more tender. Cooked beef should rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make a perfect pot of Mediterranean beef stew using an Instant Pot every time!

FAQ

Before we conclude, you may have some questions about the Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew Recipe. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered in this section FAQs where I answer some common questions that may come to mind while cooking or setting up the recipe. These will help you get a better understanding of the dish and make sure everything comes out perfectly.

Why is my stew meat tough in Instant Pot?

Are you experiencing tough stew meat in your instant pot? One reason for this might be that the meat is being cooked too quickly. To ensure a tender result, it’s recommended to allow the instant pot to come to pressure, cook, and then let the pressure release naturally. Additionally, the issue might stem from the chosen cut of meat.

Is stew better in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?

In order to expedite dinner preparation, utilizing the Instant Pot or pressure cooker is recommended. On the other hand, if there’s no time constraint and meal planning is ample, the slow cooker is a viable option.

Will Instant Pot tenderize stew meat?

When it comes to making beef stew, two options available are boneless chuck roast and beef stew meat. For boneless chuck roast, it should be sliced into 1 1/2 to 2-inch cubes. Beef stew meat is already pre-cut into chunks and is often regarded as exceptionally sturdy. However, the Instant Pot can help soften the meat and make it more tender, producing great results.

How do you use the beef stew setting on an Instant Pot?

To start cooking a savory dish using an Instant Pot, begin by placing your preferred type of meat into the pressure cooker with your choice of seasoning and liquid. After making sure the lid is tightly secured, select the Meat/Stew button. By default, the Instant Pot’s meat setting is set to cook at High pressure for 35 minutes, which is ideal for preparing dishes such as beef stew or pulled pork.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors. With the tender chunks of beef cooked to perfection in a delicious sauce filled with dates, red wine, and beef broth, it’s truly a dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be easily customized to your liking with substitutions and variations like swapping out the beef for eggplant or using ground beef instead of stew meat. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenient meal prep throughout the week.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also fits well into different dietary lifestyles like paleo and keto diets. And if you’re following a Mediterranean diet, you’ll definitely want to add this to your list of go-to recipes.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking! Whether you choose to use a dutch oven or slow cooker, this Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef Stew recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.

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