Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further! This Instant Pot Beef and Noodles recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Forget spending hours simmering – this recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked noodles in a fraction of the time, making it one of the best recipes for a quick and easy dinner. It's a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of your beef and noodles. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Building the Flavor:
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combining and Cooking:
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Return the browned beef to the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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Add the egg noodles directly to the pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Serving:
- Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Stir gently and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Beef and Noodles:
- For extra tender beef, consider using a beef chuck roast instead of stew meat. Just cut it into similar sized cubes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Don't overcook the noodles! Following the recommended cooking time will ensure they are perfectly cooked and not mushy.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef and Noodles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery for added flavor and texture.
- Creamy Beef and Noodles: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream after the pressure release for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Instant Pot Beef and Noodles recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and convenience, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner. Enjoy!