This Easy Weeknight Beef Stew Recipe Begins With Your Instant Pot

one of our best instant pot recipes is this beef stew

This Instant Pot beef stew is pure culinary magic. When you follow this recipe, you'll discover a symphony of rich and hearty flavors that will accompany your cozy winter nights cuddled up on the couch watching your new favorite movie. Picture your kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of simmering beef, hearty vegetables, and savory herbs as we unlock the secrets to a beef stew that's not only yummy, but quick and effortless to create. Let's dive in!

Our Instant Pot Beef Stew boasts rich flavors and some tender, succulent beef. The magic of the Instant Pot transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, while carrots, potatoes, and onions soak up the savory goodness of a well-seasoned broth. With each spoonful, you'll experience the warmth of home-cooked comfort and the convenience of a meal that comes together effortlessly, making it the perfect dish for busy days and cozy evenings alike.

Ingredients For Our Tasty Instant Pot Beef Stew

  • 2 tablespoons ghee (or butter)
  • 2 pounds stew beef cut into bite-sized pieces and sprinkled with garlic salt
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 16 ounce container cremini mushrooms, cut in half
  • 1 quart beef broth
  • 1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Thickener of your choice like cornstarch, arrowroot, potato starch, (optional)
  • Parsley, to garnish

How To Make Instant Pot Beef Stew, The Easy Way

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Melt the ghee, then working in batches, sauté the meat for 2-3 minutes, turning every minute so all sides are browned. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.

2. Add the onion and sauté, scraping up the brown bits as you cook. Sprinkle some salt over the onion and allow it to caramelize. If the mixture becomes too dry, add splashes of beef broth. Once they're fully caramelized, cancel the sauté setting on your Instant Pot.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cover and lock the lid into place. Select the meat/stew function, or set to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.

4. Once fully cooked, allow for a natural pressure release of the stew (about 30 minutes).

5. Ladle your Instant Pot beef stew into bowls and garnish with parsley.

Tips For Making Instant Pot Beef Stew

  • If the stew turns out too soupy, scoop out a little broth, and add in the thickener of your choice until no clumps remain. If it’s still not thick enough after stirring, repeat this step until the you reach the desired texture.
  • If you want some more flavor, season the stew with more garlic salt to taste.

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Recipe via Anna Monette Roberts. Photos via Brittany Griffin.

This post has been updated.

Mastering flavorful sauces is the easiest way to add some oomph to your usual dinners. You’re probably familiar with pesto, an Italian sauce that can be made with all sorts of fresh herbs, and then used to make your meals shine. Homemade salad dressings deliver extra flavor to everything from tasty Mediterranean bowls to fried chicken.

But you should also add Argentinean chimichurri to your repertoire — it’s a vinegary sauce made from herbs including parsley, oregano, and cilantro, and bold ingredients like garlic and red chili peppers. Try out these 17 chimichurri recipes to erase boring meals from your menu.

Yummy Chimichurri recipes to add to the menu this month

1. Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

Half Baked Harvest

Enjoy this delicious skirt steak that gives each mouthful the right amount of bite.

2. Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri

Half Baked Harvest

Dive into this delicious chimichurri recipe that will satisfy all of your cravings.

3. Chimichurri Tomato Salad

A Spicy Perspective

Salads don’t have to be a side dish. Add some extras, like a flavorful sauce and a handful of fresh herbs to make them a star entree.

4. Caribbean Grilled Lamb Chops with Wasakaka

A Spicy Perspective

These lamb chops are deliciously rich, which is why it’s great when paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce. (via A Spicy Perspective)

5. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Feel Good Foodie

Cauliflower is even better when it’s loaded with mouth-watering chimichurri.

6. Sweet Corn Chimichurri Butter Shrimp with Polenta

Half Baked Harvest

The key to making great shellfish food is using bold ingredients, like chimichurri.

Chimichurri Chicken

The Girl On Bloor

Juicy chicken and potatoes is always a delightful pairing. Along with roasted pepper and chimichurri, this meal is a a perfect dinner recipe. (via The Girl on Bloor)

8. Chimichurri Potato Salad

Salt and Lavender

Flecked with herbs and garlic, this potato salad is the perfect side dish for warm weather dining.

9. Grilled Chimichurri Scallops

Most Hungry

Quick-cooking scallops is a great weeknight option. Instead of making scallops wrapped in bacon, switch up the flavors and try this recipe instead.

10. Chimichurri Shrimp Bowls

Cozy Cravings

Spice up your favorite bowls with a fresh-tasting kick thanks to a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce.

11. Surf and Turf: Steak and Lobster with Spicy Roasted Garlic Chimichurri Butter

Half Baked Harvest

Once you learn to make a classic chimichurri sauce, you’ll have a secret ingredient on hand that can the best surf and turf meal.

12. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chimichurri

Two Spoons

You can’t go wrong with a classic! Serve these delicious smashed potatoes paired with creamy chimichurri.

13. Chimichurri Curry Summer Ramen

Chef Bai

This ramen has everything you want in a meal. There’s plenty of protein, lots of fresh veggies and a dressing you’ll want to drink straight from the bottle. (via Chef Bai)

14. Chimichurri Sauce

Two Sppons

Chimichurri is anything but boring in this recipe. This pesto-adjacent is saturated with flavor and will make any meal pop.. (via Two Spoons)

15. Jacket Potatoes With Spicy Baked Beans And Chimichurri Sauce

Vikalinka

Love eating baked beans? Spice them up with smoked paprika, cumin and a homemade chimichurri sauce! You'll always want to add these toppings to your potatoes!

16. Grilled Chimichurri Salmon

Averie Cooks

This yummy recipe proves you haven't eaten salmon in every possibly way. It only takes 20 minutes to for the bold flavors of cilantro, garlic, and red wine vinegar to blend together. Once you add the chimichurri sauce on top? You'll be saying "That's good eating!"

17. Crispy Chicken Thighs With Charred Green Onion Chimichurri

The Original Dish

We never need an excuse to eat chicken, but this charred green onion chimichurri mix might replace our go-to variations soon!

Let us know whichrecipe you try!

Find all of the best recipes on Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Sweet Magnolias season 4 is almost here — and based on the new trailer, we're in for a ton of surprises...and not just because Maddie has declared this to be a "new chapter." Despite the tragedy and storm that are coming in the TV show this season, Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue (JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley, and Brooke Elliott) are definitely going to get through it together.

Keep reading for a breakdown of that new Sweet Magnolias season 4 trailer before new episodes drop February 6, 2025.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley, and Brooke Elliott weather a variety of storms in 'Sweet Magnolias' season 4.

There's always a lot that happens between Halloween and Christmas Day, but Sweet Magnolias season 4 is really packing on the drama. I'm talking "a tragedy, a town crisis and a fierce storm," according to the official trailer.

Throughout the new Sweet Magnolias season 4 trailer, we get a glimpse of that storm, protests in town, and what appears to be a funeral. Dana Sue hugs an emotional Annie, Maddie finally voices her fear of losing someone she loves, and Helen has to deal with just how much the town is struggling. TLDR; Serenity is dealing with a lot of unrest in a lot of different forms. But despite the difficulty the message of the show remains clear.

"We're best friends," Heather Headley's Helen reminds Maddie. "Best friends carry each other, and each other's burdens." And that's really what the show is all about.

Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson told TUDUM that season 4 will look at "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us, the people who fight for — and with — us, and the people who can make us laugh, whatever we’re going through.”

And if you ask me, most importantly, Sweet Magnolias proves that friendship has the power to change our lives. “True friendship is a living thing: It has to change and grow as we do," she continues. "And that’s not always easy. But that’s what makes it beautiful.”

Are you excited for Sweet Magnolias season 4? Let us know what you want to see on Facebook and read up on the 14 New TV Shows To Watch In February.

Anyone else load up on all the carbs this holiday season? While the season calls for indulging in the best way, I never feel my best after days of consuming heavy carbs and refined sugars like lasagna, mac & cheese, holiday cookies and cakes. Now that the holiday season is fading away, now is the perfect time to make this ridiculously easy gut-healing bone broth soup recipe. This brothy soup is packed with nutrients: bone broth is rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids that support gut lining repair; vegetables are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall health; garlic is a natural prebiotic to feed healthy gut bacteria; and spinach is high in magnesium and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Make this nutritious and versatile soup as part of your 2025 wellness routine and nourish your body.

Here are delicious ideas for elevating this simple bone broth soup too!

Shutterstock

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups bone broth (chicken or beef)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Leftover rotisserie chicken, optional

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
  • A squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness
  • A pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Peeled and chopped sweet potatoes for more fiber, which can help promote healthy gut bacteria
  • Swap organic kale or chard for spinach leaves if preferred

Shutterstock

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat (optional). Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the sliced carrots, cauliflower florets, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the cauliflower to lightly soften and release its flavor.
  3. Pour in the bone broth, add the diced cucumber, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking so that they wilt but remain vibrant.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

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As much as I love Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is actually my favorite February holiday! There's nothing I adore more than getting together with my girlfriends and celebrating each other with drinks and games — and gifts — galore. This year, the bestie basket is the best (and easiest) way to show your girls how much you care about them! These adorable gifts are super easy to make — you just have to pick a cute basket, fill it with your BFF's favorite things, and voila! You've got a perfect, thoughtful, last-minute gift!

Don't know what you need to get started? I've got you covered!

Here's everything you need to craft the perfect, last-minute bestie basket for Galentine's Day!

Target

Coiled Rope Basket

Obviously the first piece you need for your bestie basket is an actual basket. This pink rope basket from Target is cute, big enough to hold plenty of goodies, and is only $6!

Target

Felt Heart Valentine's Day Basket Red

But if you're looking for something a little more cutesy — and a little smaller — this heart basket will do the trick, too! Plus, the handle makes your gift way easier to transport to your BFF.

Target

Valentine's Day 8ct Pegged Tissue Red Heart on Cream

You can totally just put your gifts right into the basket, but a little tissue paper adds an extra zhuzh to your gift as well! And look at how pretty this heart paper is!

Target

16 fl oz Stoneware You are Loved Mug Pink/Red Striped

Whether your bestie is a coffee addict á la Lorelai Gilmore, loves a hot cuppa tea, or can't resist a decadent hot chocolate, a cute mug is a must-have in your basket. I love, love, love the pink and red stripes on this one!

Target

14 fl oz Figural Heart Tumbler with Straw

However, if your BFF is more of an iced-coffee kinda gal, she may be more into this sweet little heart-shaped tumbler!

Target

Stanley 4pk 40oz Quencher Tumbler Straws

It's no secret the gals are into Stanley cups — so why not grab some pink and red straws to make everyone's favorite hand accessory even cuter?

Target

Paucax Water Bottle Pouch for Stanley 18-40oz

This little pink pouch is another perfect addition to your emotional support water bottle, too! You can toss your phone, credit cards, lip balm, or whatever else you need on your hot girl errands in here!

Target

Women's Concentric Hearts Valentine's Day Cozy Crew Socks

Cozy socks are a definitely must in your bestie basket! These are super on-theme — and super soft!

Target

LOOPS Double Take Glow Mask

I seriously love LOOPS masks! Grab this for your girlfriends, and maybe even throw 'em on while you grab some wine and gab during your Galentine's Day celebration!

Target

Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Body Scrub

Winter is doing a number on everyone's skin right now, so a body scrub is a nice little luxury to gift your girlfriends right now. Revive your skin — and smell good doing it!

Target

essie Salon-Quality Vegan Nail Polish

A little nail care is a total hallmark of a good girls night! Grab this sweet shade of red for the perfect at-home mani for you bestie!

Target

Salon Clip Hair Bow Set 2pc

Are people over bows? IDK, but I'm sure not. These are coquette and cute and so going in your bestie baskets this year!

Target

Nerds Valentine's Gummy Clusters

Bestie baskets absolutely need candy — it's a non-negotiable. Nerds gummy clusters are super viral right now, and for good reason! They're chewy, crunchy, and totally delicious.

Target

Dove Valentine's Dark Chocolate Hearts

If your friends aren't into gummy candy, classic Dove dark chocolate hearts are a solid way to go as well!

Target

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Candy Truffles

And if dark chocolate is too bitter, then these sweet little milk chocolate truffles are also amazing!

Looking for more fun seasonal recs? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for those seeking fresh, healthy meals, all in the name of feeling better and living longer. Stocking your kitchen with Mediterranean staples is the easiest way to guarantee you always something to grub or snack on – support your goals with these 15 Mediterranean must-haves you can use for the best Mediterranean recipes!

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

RF Studio / PEXELS

1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

Rauf Allahverdiyev / PEXELS

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

Ellie Burgin / PEXELS

5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

Cup Of Couple / PEXELS

7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

Hilal Bülbül / PEXELS

9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

Ruken Kobatan / PEXELS

10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

Cats Coming / PEXELS

12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

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