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Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Cumin-Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

  • Makes
    6 servings
  • Cook Time
    1 hour 20 minutes
  • Slow Cook Time
    7-8 hours
  • Active time plus cooling
    35 minutes active

This hearty stew is all about flavor balance. The natural sugars in the tomatoes and sweet potatoes counter the meatiness of beef chuck. Alliums and cumin tie together the sweet and savory flavors, while lime juice adds brightness. Sour cream is a cooling garnish and if you'd like a little tangy heat, offer some pickled jalapeños. This doesn't need any sides for serving, but warmed tortillas or cilantro rice would be great accompaniments.

Tip

Don't cut the beef any larger than into ¾-inch chunks. If the pieces are larger, the meat may not tenderize in the time specified.

Ingredients
  • 1

    tablespoon grapeseed or other neutral oil

  • 1

    large yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 10

    medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

  • 2

    tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1

    tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1

    jalapeño chili, stemmed, seeded and minced

  • 2½

    pounds boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into ¾-inch cubes

  • 28

    ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 12

    ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes

  • 3

    tablespoons lime juice

  • ½

    cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

  • Sour cream, to serve

  • Pickled jalapeños, to serve (optional)

Step 1

On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select More/High Sauté. Add the oil and heat until shimmering, then add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, cumin and jalapeño, then cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beef, tomatoes with their juice and 1½ teaspoons salt; stir to combine, then distribute in an even layer.

Step 2

Press Cancel, lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual; make sure the pressure level is set to High. Set the cooking time for 30 minutes.

When pressure cooking is complete, quick-release the steam by moving the pressure valve to Venting. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.

Step 3

Select Normal/Medium Sauté and add the sweet potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a skewer inserted into the potatoes meets no resistance, 10 to 15 minutes.

Press Cancel to turn off the pot. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with sour cream and pickled jalapeños (if desired).