Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a super comforting and ridiculously easy recipe: Instant Pot Beef Manhattan. If you're anything like me, you love a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn't keep you chained to the stove all day. That's where the Instant Pot comes to the rescue! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to enjoy tender beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes all in one bowl – it's the ultimate comfort food experience! Let’s jump right into making this classic dish with a modern, speedy twist. The Instant Pot is your best friend when it comes to creating meals that taste like they've been simmering for hours, but actually only take a fraction of the time. Beef Manhattan is one of those dishes that sounds fancy but is incredibly straightforward to make. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the Instant Pot enhances the flavors. You'll start with some basic ingredients: beef chuck, beef broth, onions, carrots, celery, and a few pantry staples like Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. These combine to create a symphony of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this is one recipe you'll want to keep in your rotation. It's perfect for those days when you crave something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes you might have. If you don’t have leftovers, don’t worry – whipping up a batch of creamy mashed potatoes is a breeze while the beef is cooking in the Instant Pot. Get ready to experience the magic of the Instant Pot with this incredible Beef Manhattan recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Instant Pot Beef Manhattan recipe, but let's highlight a few key ones that will have you reaching for your Instant Pot right now.

• Quick and Easy: First and foremost, the Instant Pot significantly cuts down the cooking time compared to traditional methods. What used to take hours on the stovetop or in the oven now takes a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a hearty, comforting meal on the table in under an hour! The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer when it comes to convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Tender and Flavorful Beef: The pressure cooking method ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and juicy. The meat literally melts in your mouth, infused with all the rich flavors of the broth, vegetables, and seasonings. You won't believe how tender the beef becomes in such a short amount of time. This is especially great for tougher cuts of beef like chuck roast, which become wonderfully succulent and flavorful.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! This recipe allows you to cook the beef and create the gravy all in one pot, minimizing the number of dishes you have to wash. The Instant Pot simplifies the entire cooking process, from prep to cleanup, making it a stress-free experience.
• Customizable: The recipe is highly adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. You can easily adjust the amount of vegetables, add different herbs and spices, or even use a different cut of beef. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! You can also adjust the thickness of the gravy to your liking by adding more or less cornstarch slurry. The possibilities are endless!
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Beef Manhattan is the ultimate comfort food, and this Instant Pot version takes it to the next level. The combination of tender beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes is simply irresistible. It's the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day or to enjoy with loved ones. This dish is a hug in a bowl, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling content.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this delectable Instant Pot Beef Manhattan, gather the following ingredients:

• Beef Chuck: About 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender under pressure cooking. Don't skimp on the quality of the beef – it makes a big difference in the final result!
• Beef Broth: 4 cups. Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can also use beef stock for an even richer taste. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
• Onion: 1 large, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well. The onion adds a foundational layer of flavor to the gravy.
• Carrots: 2 medium, chopped. Carrots add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. They also provide a nice textural contrast.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Celery contributes to the savory flavor profile and adds a subtle freshness.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Garlic is a must for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best!
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and umami to the gravy. It also helps to thicken the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Worcestershire sauce provides a savory and tangy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Thyme adds a subtle herbal note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You can also use fresh thyme if you prefer.
• Bay Leaf: 1. Bay leaf adds a subtle but important layer of flavor. Be sure to remove it before serving.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. Cornstarch is used to thicken the gravy at the end. Mix it with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the Instant Pot.
• Cold Water: 2 tablespoons (for cornstarch slurry).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For searing the beef.
• Mashed Potatoes: For serving. You can use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes. Make sure they're creamy and delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Instant Pot Beef Manhattan:

1. Sear the Beef: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned. Searing the beef adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the vegetables before pressure cooking helps to develop their flavors and create a delicious base for the gravy.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This step adds depth and richness to the gravy. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is important to prevent the burn notice.
4. Pressure Cook: Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Make sure the beef is submerged in the liquid. Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook function and set the cooking time to 35 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
5. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Natural pressure release helps the beef to become even more tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy: Remove the beef from the Instant Pot and set aside. Select the sauté function again. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the Instant Pot, stirring constantly. Cook for a few minutes, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Serve: Serve the tender beef and gravy over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Beef Manhattan! Serving it over mashed potatoes is the classic way to enjoy this dish, but you can also serve it with rice or egg noodles.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this Instant Pot Beef Manhattan recipe to your liking:

• Use Different Cuts of Beef: While chuck roast is the preferred cut for this recipe, you can also use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or stew meat. Keep in mind that different cuts of beef may require slightly different cooking times.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips. Simply chop the vegetables and add them to the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also use a spicy Worcestershire sauce.
• Use Red Wine: For a richer and more complex flavor, add a cup of red wine to the Instant Pot along with the beef broth. Be sure to use a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• Make It Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply store the beef and gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Add a Splash of Cream: For an even richer and creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end. This is a great way to add a touch of indulgence to the dish.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free beef broth and cornstarch. Also, make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Manhattan is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Green Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to add a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus make a great side dish. They add color and nutrients to the meal.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw adds a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
• Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic pairing with beef dishes. It's perfect for soaking up the gravy and adding a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a super easy and incredibly delicious Instant Pot Beef Manhattan recipe that's perfect for any occasion. The Instant Pot makes this classic dish a breeze to prepare, and the result is a tender, flavorful, and comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend feast, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don't forget to customize it to your liking and experiment with different variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy!