Instant Pot Chocolate Stout Beef Stew

This rich and hearty beef stew is made with tender meat, savory vegetables, and a splash of chocolate stout for a unique twist. Cooking it in the Instant Pot makes it quick and easy!

The flavors meld together beautifully, making it perfect for cozy nights. I can’t resist a warm bowl of this stew, preferably with some crusty bread to dip! Who’s with me on that? 🍞

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews due to its marbling and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try substituting with sirloin or round roast, but it might be less tender.

Chocolate Stout: This adds a unique depth to the stew. If you need a non-alcoholic option, use a rich non-alcoholic stout or a dark beer like black coffee mixed with a bit of broth for flavor.

Carrots: Fresh carrots work well. If you’re short on time, frozen carrots can be a quick substitute, but they may cook faster, so reduce time slightly.

Potatoes: Baby potatoes are great for their texture. If you don’t have them, any waxy potato will do, like Yukon Golds. Just remember to cut them into even chunks for consistent cooking.

Flour: This is optional for thickening. You can substitute it with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix 1 tablespoon in water and add it to the stew for thickening.

How Do I Brown Meat Properly in the Instant Pot?

Browning the beef adds amazing flavor to the stew. To do this correctly in your Instant Pot, follow these steps:

• Turn on “Sauté” and heat the oil until it’s shimmering.
• Add the beef in batches; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning.
• Don’t rush! Allow the beef to cook untouched for a few minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms.
• After browning, be sure to remove the beef and don’t skip scraping up the brown bits when adding the stout. That’s where the flavor is!

With this technique, your stew will be deliciously rich and packed with flavor! Enjoy your cooking! 😊

Instant Pot Chocolate Stout Beef Stew

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bottle (12 oz) chocolate stout beer
• 3 cups beef broth
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
• 1 lb small baby potatoes, halved if large
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Thickening (Optional):

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This wholesome stew takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 45 minutes to cook, including pressure build-up and releases. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in just under an hour!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Beef:

Start your Instant Pot and switch to “Sauté” mode. Heat the vegetable oil until it’s shimmering. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pot, add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

3. Add the Tomato Paste:

Stir in the tomato paste and continue to sauté for another minute. This step enhances the flavor of your stew by caramelizing the tomato paste a bit.

4. Deglaze with Stout:

Pour in the chocolate stout beer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is called deglazing and adds tons of flavor!

5. Combine All Ingredients:

Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, sliced carrots, halved potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.

6. Pressure Cook:

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to “Manual/Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 35 minutes. Don’t forget to make sure the steam release valve is sealed!

7. Release the Pressure:

After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Once safe to open, take off the lid!

8. Thicken (Optional):

If you want a thicker stew, take out about 1 cup of the liquid from the pot and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot, switch the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened to your liking.

9. Final Touches:

Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Taste the stew and feel free to adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side! This meal is perfect for sharing with family or friends, or just indulging yourself!

Dig in and relish the wonderful flavors of this hearty dish! 🍲

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts like sirloin or brisket. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

Can I Make This Recipe without Alcohol?

Yes! You can replace the chocolate stout with a non-alcoholic stout or use a mix of beef broth and a splash of dark cola for a similar rich flavor without the alcohol.

How Can I Add More Vegetables?

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms! Just chop them into similar sizes and add them during the pressure cooking stage. Keep in mind that softer veggies may cook quicker, so you might want to add them halfway through the cooking time!