Are you craving a flavorful, tender, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This recipe showcases the magic of the Instant Pot to transform humble chuck steak into a melt-in-your-mouth culinary delight. Forget tough, chewy beef – this method guarantees juicy, fall-apart perfection every time. It's one of the best recipes for busy weeknights, perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chuck steak, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Pat the chuck steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Instant Pot Magic
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your Instant Pot. Place the seared chuck steak on top of the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Step 4: Pressure Cooking
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes. After the natural release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Carefully remove the chuck steak from the Instant Pot and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the beef. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return the shredded beef to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
Tips for Instant Pot Chuck Steak Success:
- Trim the fat: While a little fat is good, trimming excess fat will prevent the liquid from becoming overly greasy.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space for the liquid to circulate properly.
- Adjust cooking time: For a more tender steak, increase the pressure cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered on the stovetop after pressure cooking for a few minutes.
Variations:
- Spicy Chuck Steak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cooking liquid.
- BBQ Chuck Steak: Replace the red wine and Worcestershire sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Mushroom Chuck Steak: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the vegetables when sautéing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe for delicious chuck steak is a true testament to the versatility of the Instant Pot. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!