The Best and Worst Kitchen Tools for 2026

The Best and Worst Kitchen Tools for 2026 is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min

Cost: $19.85 total, $4.96 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Beef Chuck (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 medium Carrots (peeled and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 2 large Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Red Wine (optional, adds depth)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (concentrated flavor)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and cut carrots and potatoes, and cube the beef.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Sear Beef

    Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' on High. Add olive oil, then brown the beef in batches, stirring occasionally until all sides are deep brown, about 5 minutes total.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 190°C

  3. Deglaze

    Add the red wine (or extra broth) to the pot, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let simmer for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: 190°C

  4. Add Remaining Ingredients

    Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Pressure Cook

    Secure the lid, set the valve to 'Sealing', and select 'Manual/Pressure Cook' on High for 35 minutes.

    Time: PT35M

  6. Natural Release

    When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Finish & Serve

    Open the lid, remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle stew into bowls and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: gluten‑free, dairy‑free

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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The Best and Worst Kitchen Tools for 2026

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A comforting, melt‑in‑your‑mouth beef stew made quickly in the Instant Pot Pro 8‑quart pressure cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth with minimal hands‑on time.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
19m
Prep
51m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.85
Total cost
$4.96
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pat the beef dry before searing to achieve a proper crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot when browning; work in batches.
  • Ensure enough liquid is present to reach pressure; the Instant Pot will not come to pressure otherwise.
  • Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to keep the meat tender.

Safety Warnings

  • Steam released during natural or quick release can cause burns; keep face and hands away.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot Instant Pot lid and inner pot.
  • Sharp knives: cut away from your body and keep fingertips tucked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of classic beef stew in American cuisine?

A

Beef stew has long been a staple of American home cooking, especially in the Midwest and New England where hearty, one‑pot meals were needed for farm families. It evolved from colonial pot‑roasts and reflects the tradition of using affordable cuts of meat and seasonal root vegetables to create a nourishing dish.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of beef stew exist within United States cuisine?

A

In the Southwest, chili peppers and cumin are added for a Tex‑Mex twist. In New England, the stew often includes barley and carrots, while in the South, okra and tomatoes are common. Each variation reflects local produce and flavor preferences.

cultural
Q

How is classic beef stew traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, often with crusty bread or biscuits on the side for soaking up the broth. Some families garnish with fresh parsley or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is beef stew traditionally enjoyed in American culture?

A

Beef stew is popular for family gatherings, cold‑weather holidays like Thanksgiving leftovers, and as a comforting Sunday dinner. It’s also a go‑to dish for pot‑lucks because it reheats well and feeds a crowd.

cultural
Q

What makes this Instant Pot beef stew special compared to traditional stovetop stews?

A

The Instant Pot builds pressure, which dramatically reduces cooking time while still breaking down tough collagen, giving you fork‑tender meat in under an hour. It also locks in flavor and requires less active monitoring than a stovetop simmer.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Instant Pot beef stew?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pot when searing, not deglazing the browned bits (which can trigger a burn notice), and using too little liquid so the pot cannot reach pressure. Also, skipping the natural release can result in tougher meat.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a natural pressure release instead of a quick release?

A

A natural release allows the meat fibers to relax gradually, keeping the beef tender. Quick releasing can cause the meat to seize up and become slightly tougher, especially with larger cuts.

technical
Q

Can I make this beef stew ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the stew can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat on the Instant Pot’s 'Sauté' mode or on the stove. It also freezes well for up to two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for to know the stew is done?

A

The broth should be glossy and slightly thickened, the vegetables should be fork‑tender but not mushy, and the beef should pull apart easily with a fork. No large pieces of meat should be hard in the center.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorous, science‑based cooking tests, detailed recipe development, and equipment reviews. Their videos focus on helping home cooks achieve reliable, repeatable results with clear explanations of why techniques work.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen emphasizes systematic testing, side‑by‑side comparisons, and data‑driven recommendations, whereas many other channels rely more on personal preference or visual appeal. This method ensures the recipes they endorse, like this beef stew, are proven to work across a wide range of home kitchens.

channel

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