No matter how you choose to cook this stew, we think you'll love the classic flavors that will fit right into a cozy St. Patrick's Day meal. Smarts #1: Shepherd's pie typically refers to a dish made with lamb, but we found beef to be a natural fit with the stew. Smarts #1: If you are serving this meal immediately, simmer the gnocchi in the stew where it will release starch to naturally thicken the broth and absorb more flavor. If not serving right away, cook it separately to avoid it expanding as it sits. Cooking methods: This recipe includes instructions for using the Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or stovetop. Select your preferred method.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear on all sides until well-browned, 6 to 8 minutes. When beef is brown, stir in spice mix and onions. Cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes more.
Transfer beef and onions to the bowl of a slow cooker. Add stock (this recipe was written for Instant Pot, so we recommend increasing liquid by 10-20% over listed amount to account for evaporation), tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Frozen peas and carrots - Defrost.
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When stew is nearly finished cooking, increase slow cooker heat to high. If cooking gnocchi in the stew, add gnocchi and cover. Simmer until gnocchi is tender (depending on how hot your slow cooker runs, this may take 2-3 times as long as the time listed on the package). (You can also cook the gnocchi separately.)
Stir spinach, peas, and carrots into stew until spinach is wilted.
Taste stew and season with some salt and pepper.
Divide between serving bowls and serve with parsley on top.
Prep
Onions - Dice onions. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make spice mix - Combine dried thyme, garlic powder, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Parsley - Chop parsley. (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add beef and sear on all sides until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes total. When beef is brown, stir in spice mix and onions. Cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes more.
Slowly pour in stock (this recipe was written for Instant Pot, so we recommend increasing liquid by 10-20% over listed amount to account for evaporation) while scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover stew and reduce heat so it stays at a low simmer. Simmer until beef is tender, 45 to 50 minutes. (Note: Don’t let the stew boil too vigorously or the meat will be tough. Keeping it at a very low simmer is the key to tender, flavorful meat.)
When stew is nearly finished cooking, remove lid and keep stew at a simmer. If cooking gnocchi in the stew, add gnocchi and simmer according to package directions (or cook gnocchi separately).
Stir spinach, peas, and carrots into stew until spinach is wilted.
Taste stew and season with some salt and pepper.
Divide between serving bowls and serve with parsley on top.
Prep
Onions - Dice onions. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make spice mix - Combine dried thyme, garlic powder, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Parsley - Chop parsley. (Can be done up to 2 days ahead)
Using the Saute function of an Instant Pot add oil and then sear beef on all sides until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes total. When beef is brown, stir in spice mix and onions. Cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes more.
Slowly pour in stock while scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan (be sure to scrape well to avoid the burn error). Turn off Saute function.
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Close and lock the lid. Set the pressure valve to 'Sealing'. Cook on manual / high pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then manually release any remaining pressure.
Once all of the pressure has released, remove the lid and set aside. Turn on the Saute function to medium.
If cooking gnocchi in the stew, add gnocchi and simmer according to package directions (or cook gnocchi separately).
Stir spinach, peas, and carrots into stew until spinach is wilted.
Taste stew and season with some salt and pepper.
Divide between serving bowls and serve with parsley on top.