Let me introduce you to a recipe that has won over my taste buds and etched itself into my list of comfort food staples: the Ninja Foodi Beef Stew. This isn’t just another beef stew recipe; it’s a culmination of trial and error, a symphony of flavors, and a nod to the traditional comfort food that many of us grew up loving, now made simpler and more delectable with the innovation of the Ninja Foodi. Whether you’re a seasoned pro with your Foodi or just unboxing it for the first time, this recipe is about to elevate your stew game to a level you didn’t know existed!
For those who might be unfamiliar, the Ninja Foodi is a marvel of modern kitchen appliances. Combining the capabilities of a pressure cooker, air fryer, and slow cooker (among others) into one sleek machine, it’s revolutionized the way I approach cooking. But it wasn’t until I decided to test its mettle against the challenge of crafting the perfect beef stew that I fully appreciated its capabilities.
How to make Ninja Foodi Beef Stew
Ninja Foodi Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful beef stew recipe prepared using a Ninja Foodi, a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, air fryer, and more. The stew typically consists of tender chunks of beef and vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, all cooked together in a savory broth flavored with herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry for thickening)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper generously.
- Searing the Beef: Turn on the Ninja Foodi and select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil to the pot. Once hot, sear the beef chunks in batches, ensuring each piece has room. Brown all sides, then remove and set aside. This step adds a deep flavor base to the stew.
- Sautéing the Veggies: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic—Sauté in the same pot for about 2 minutes or until the onions soften. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Deglazing: Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
- Adding Main Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cooking: Close the Ninja Foodi’s lid, ensuring it’s set to “Seal.” Select the “Pressure” function and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure. After cooking, allow for a natural release for at least 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Thickening the Stew: Remove the bay leaves. With the Ninja Foodi set on “Sauté,” slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes or until it thickens to your liking. Add the frozen peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Final Taste Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Serving: Ladle the stew into bowls, and if desired, serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Ninja Foodi Beef Stew:
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip on searing the beef, as it adds a significant depth of flavor to the stew.
- Deglazing: Make sure to deglaze the pot properly to incorporate all the flavorful bits into the stew.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing a natural release helps the meat stay tender.
- Thicken at the End: Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end allows you to control the thickness of your stew.
- Customize Your Veggies: You can replace or add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, parsnips, or celery, according to your taste preferences.
- Making Ahead: This stew tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
What to serve with
1. Crusty Bread or Rolls:
There’s something incredibly comforting about a piece of crusty bread or a warm, buttery dinner roll dipped into a rich beef stew. It provides a textural contrast and is perfect for mopping up the luscious, flavorful broth that is a signature of a good stew. A baguette, sourdough, or even a simple loaf of country white bread would pair perfectly.
2. Mashed Potatoes:
Yes, your stew may already contain chunks of tender potatoes, but providing a bed of velvety mashed potatoes adds extra comfort. The creaminess of the potatoes complements the richness of the stew, and it’s an excellent way to add a different potato texture to your meal.
3. Green Salads:
A light and refreshing salad can provide a nice balance to the hearty stew. Something as simple as mixed greens with a vinaigrette or slightly more elaborate salads like a classic Caesar or a tangy beet and goat cheese salad can do the trick.
4. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables add both a delightful crunch and a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs well with beef stew. Consider roasting carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even simple sheet-pan veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Rice or Grain Salads:
Rice, quinoa, or couscous can be a wonderful accompaniment, letting the stew’s juice seep in and infuse it with flavor. Alternatively, a cold grain salad, perhaps tossed with fresh herbs and citrusy vinaigrette, can offer an appealing contrast.
6. Wine:
If you’re a wine-lover, consider serving a glass of robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a more medium-bodied Zinfandel; these can stand up nicely to the strong flavors in the beef stew.
7. Dessert:
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. After a hearty meal, lighter desserts like lemon tart or vanilla ice cream with fresh berries can be a delightful, refreshing end.
Ingredients substitutes
From dietary restrictions to pantry shortages, there are numerous reasons why you might need to substitute ingredients when making beef stew in your Ninja Foodi. Here’s a handy guide for swapping out some key ingredients without compromising taste.
Substitutes for Beef
- Lamb: For a richer flavor profile, lamb can be an excellent substitute. It has a stronger, more distinct taste and a tender texture when slow-cooked.
- Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken (thighs for better flavor and tenderness) can replace beef. It will result in a different stew entirely but can be just as comforting.
- Mushrooms or Lentils (for a vegan/vegetarian version): For a meatless version of the stew, a hearty variety of mushrooms like portobello or a combination of mushrooms and lentils can be used.
Non-Alcoholic Substitutes for Red Wine
- Broth: You can use extra beef, chicken, or vegetable broth instead of red wine.
- Grape Juice: For sweetness and a similar wine-like flavor without the alcohol, red grape juice can work. Vinegar or lemon juice can be added to it to counteract the sweetness.
- Non-Alcoholic Wine: This will give you the most similar flavor profile without the alcohol content.
Vegetable Substitutes
- Carrots: Parsnips or sweet potatoes can substitute for carrots, offering sweetness and a similar texture.
- Potatoes: Turnips or root vegetables like celeriac can be an alternative to potatoes, adding different nuanced flavors to the stew.
- Onions: Shallots or leeks can be a good alternative, providing a slightly milder onion flavor.
- Peas: Green beans or chopped-up asparagus can be used for their similar vibrant color and freshness.
Flavoring and Thickening Agents
- Tomato Paste: For a concentrated tomato flavor without paste, you can intensify the flavor with ketchup in a pinch or reduced tomato sauce.
- Cornstarch Slurry: If you’re out of cornstarch, flour can be used to thicken your stew. For a gluten-free alternative, arrowroot or tapioca starch can serve the same purpose.
- Worcestershire Sauce: If you do not have this on hand, soy sauce mixed with a little sugar and tamarind paste (if available) can mimic some of the complexities of Worcestershire.
- Thyme: While not identical in flavor, oregano or marjoram can be substituted for thyme, offering an earthy, aromatic note.
Miscellaneous Substitutes
- Beef Broth: In a pinch, chicken or vegetable broth can be used. For more depth, add more soy sauce or miso to these lighter broths.
- Frozen Peas: If fresh, they can be added at the end as they quickly cook in the residual heat. Canned peas (rinsed to remove excess sodium) can also be an option.
- Olive Oil: Any neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil, or even butter (for a richer flavor), can be used to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables.
Final Thoughts
No matter the substitution, always consider the cooking time and flavor profile of the alternatives chosen. Adjust as needed based on personal preference and the characteristics of the ingredients to ensure your Ninja Foodi Beef Stew is as delicious as ever.
