Craving a hearty, budget-friendly meal that'll warm your soul without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Instant Pot Poor Man's Stew - the ultimate comfort food that proves deliciousness doesn't have to cost a fortune! This one-pot wonder transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort, this stew is about to become your new go-to recipe that saves both time and money.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the meat and onions, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the meat mixture.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including all liquid, and beef broth. Stir ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently mixing to incorporate seasonings.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release.
- Open the lid, stir the stew, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or additional black pepper.
Tips
- For the most tender meat, ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients. This helps develop deep, rich flavors.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release - it helps the meat become extra tender and allows the stew's flavors to meld together perfectly.
- If you want to make this recipe even more budget-friendly, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even use less expensive cuts of beef.
- To enhance the stew's flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the meat and onions.
- For a thicker consistency, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in after cooking to help the stew reach your desired thickness.
- This stew freezes beautifully - store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for an easy future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
