Prepare to have your taste buds amazed with our incredibly unique Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew! This recipe transforms humble ingredients like savory sausage, tender cabbage, and hearty potatoes into a thick, sweet, and unbelievably satisfying stew, all thanks to an unexpected secret ingredient: Mountain Dew soda pop. It’s a delightful twist on classic comfort food that will leave everyone asking for more.
We affectionately call this creation Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew, but you can simply call it delicious! Bursting with the goodness of potatoes, tender cabbage, and flavorful sausage, it stands out as one of our favorite easy Instant Pot recipes. Get ready for a meal that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful, offering a surprising sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements. This stew is a true conversation starter!
Instant Pot Kielbasa & Cabbage Stew: A Culinary Adventure
While there are countless pressure cooker stew recipes available, this one truly breaks the mold. What makes it special? The subtle sweetness from the Mountain Dew, which perfectly complements the savory notes of the sausage and vegetables. This unique combination won over my husband and kids, proving that sometimes, the most unconventional ingredients lead to the most memorable dishes. It’s a hearty meal that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying leftovers.
Whether you own an Instant Pot, a Crockpot Express, or an easy Ninja Foodi recipe, this versatile recipe can be adapted to your preferred pressure cooker. The convenience of one-pot cooking combined with the intriguing flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. We encourage you to give this surprisingly delicious stew a try this week and share your thoughts!
For those new to the world of pressure cooking, you’ve come to the right place! We offer a wealth of easy, one-pot meal recipes designed to simplify your cooking experience and introduce you to the magic of the Instant Pot. To get started, here are a few essential tips:
- Be sure to bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We continuously add new and exciting dishes each week, providing endless inspiration for your pressure cooker.
- Then, PRINT this —–> Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It’s an invaluable guide for understanding how long various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans need to cook in your pressure cooker, helping you achieve perfect results every time.
- We HIGHLY recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot. This significantly reduces the chances of food sticking and burning, making cleanup a breeze and enhancing your overall pressure cooking experience.
- Understanding how to deglaze your pressure cooker after sautéing is crucial for preventing the dreaded “BURN” error. However, with a good non-stick liner, you’ll encounter far fewer issues, allowing you to cook with confidence.
For reference, the model we use for all our recipe creations is a 6-quart Instant Pot. Its generous capacity is perfect for preparing family-sized meals and ensuring there are always delicious leftovers.
When you typically think of stew, traditional images of diced beef, carrots, and potatoes often come to mind. But it’s time to expand your culinary horizons and think outside the box! Once you venture beyond the conventional, a whole new world of delicious and innovative stew options opens up, proving that stews can be far more diverse than you might imagine.
How do I make Instant Pot stew?
Making Instant Pot stew is incredibly versatile! You can start with your favorite meat, a selection of fresh vegetables, and a suitable liquid base. For thickening, tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry added at the end works wonders to achieve that hearty stew consistency. Cabbage is a fantastic addition, but remember it cooks quickly, typically needing no more than 5 minutes under pressure to maintain a desirable texture and avoid becoming too soft.
What goes well with sausage and onions in a stew?
We’ve found that potatoes and cabbage are excellent companions for sausage and onions, creating a well-rounded and comforting meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. We’ve also experimented with smoked sausage, cabbage, and onions cooked for longer durations using traditional methods, but the Instant Pot method offers a delicious and significantly faster alternative without compromising on taste.
Can you use plain flour to thicken a stew?
Yes, you can certainly use plain flour to thicken a stew. However, I personally prefer cornstarch for its ability to create a smoother consistency and a clearer finish. Regardless of which thickener you choose, always mix it with cold water first to create a smooth, lump-free slurry before adding it to your hot stew. Incorporate it at the end during the sauté function, stirring continuously until the desired thickness is achieved. Keep in mind that the stew will continue to thicken further as it cools.
For this particular stew, we utilized a combination of unique ingredients that yielded amazing results and a surprisingly delicious flavor in just 6 minutes of high-pressure cooking time.
Ingredient Notes: Crafting the Perfect Mountain Dew Stew
Let’s delve into the star ingredients that make this Instant Pot Mountain Dew stew truly special and explain why each plays a crucial role in its unique flavor profile:
- Cabbage: You’ll only need about half a head of fresh cabbage for this recipe. Don’t let the rest go to waste! Cabbage is incredibly versatile, so consider making one of our other delightful Instant Pot cabbage recipes to enjoy the remainder. When preparing, cut it into generous 1.5-inch cubes. This size ensures it holds its shape well and offers a pleasant texture after pressure cooking, avoiding mushiness.
- Smoked Sausage: We highly recommend using a flavorful smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille. These varieties bring a deep, smoky, and savory punch to the stew. Slice the sausage into bite-sized “dials” or rounds, which makes for easy serving and eating for everyone at the table. Sautéing the sausage first is a critical step; it develops a wonderful caramelization on the exterior and deepens its savory notes, infusing the entire stew with a rich, foundational flavor.
- Other Vegetables: A classic stew benefits from robust and comforting vegetables. We typically incorporate thick slices of onion, which add a sweet and pungent depth, and generously cubed potatoes (unpeeled for extra nutrients and rustic texture). Carrots are another excellent optional addition for natural sweetness and vibrant color. While celery can work, it tends to become quite soft under pressure, so it’s not our top preference if you prefer a bit of textural contrast. For potatoes, consider using red potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape a bit more, as russets can become quite tender and break down slightly more readily.
- Mountain Dew: Believe it or not, this bright, citrusy, and surprisingly sweet soda is the core liquid for our stew! It contributes a distinctive sweet and tangy flavor profile that beautifully complements the savory sausage and vegetables, adding an unexpected layer of complexity. The effervescence also helps in the cooking process. While you could technically use other clear, citrusy sodas like Sprite for a similar sweetness (though without the caffeine and vibrant green color), it wouldn’t be “Mountain Dew Stew,” would it? This ingredient is what truly sets this recipe apart and makes it so memorable.
- Tomato Paste: This concentrated ingredient adds a rich depth of umami flavor and contributes significantly to the stew’s final thickness and body, giving it a more substantial feel. Combined with a cornstarch slurry at the end, it ensures a perfectly hearty and luscious consistency that clings beautifully to all the ingredients.
Remarkably, we added NO additional seasonings to this stew. The inherent spices in the andouille sausage, combined with the other flavorful ingredients, provided all the seasoning needed. Every single person who sampled this dish gave it a resounding thumbs-up, a testament to its naturally delicious and well-balanced profile!
Is smoked sausage already cooked?
Yes, smoked sausage, including popular varieties like kielbasa and andouille, is typically pre-cooked. This means you are essentially heating it through rather than cooking it from raw, which eliminates concerns about undercooked meat and reduces overall cooking time. Despite it being pre-cooked, we still choose to sauté it first. This step is essential for achieving a beautiful caramelization on the exterior, which enhances the flavor, adds a desirable texture to the sausage, and creates a rich foundation for the stew.
What is the best smoked sausage for stew?
Most grocery stores typically carry a few brands of smoked sausage, often with different varieties such as kielbasa, andouille, or even bratwurst. For stews like this and our Instant Pot sausage and rice, we personally prefer kielbasa or andouille. These varieties offer a rich, smoky flavor and a firm texture that stands up well to pressure cooking, ensuring the sausage doesn’t fall apart. If you’re feeling adventurous and enjoy making things from scratch, you could even prepare your own smoked brats. If you opt for homemade, simply finish cooking them, slice into rounds, and then you can skip the initial sautéing step in this recipe.
Now, let’s talk about potatoes. Living in Idaho, potatoes are practically a culinary institution and a staple in our pantry! While I don’t have a strong preference for a specific potato variety in this stew, I often use russets because they are readily available and economical. However, I particularly love red potatoes for their tendency to hold their shape better and not become as soft or mealy during pressure cooking. Be mindful of cooking times and the size of your potato chunks; if cooked for too long or cut too small, any potato can become more like mashed potatoes rather than distinct, tender chunks within your stew. Cutting them into appropriately sized, uniform pieces is key for consistent texture.
Similarly, keep your onions in generously large chunks. This helps them stay intact and adds a lovely textural contrast to the finished dish, preventing them from dissolving completely into the stew. And now for the pièce de résistance, the ingredient that gives this stew its unique name and flavor: the soda!
You might be wondering, “Why on earth would I ever choose to use Mountain Dew as the liquid for a stew?” This ingenious and somewhat unconventional idea originated from a friend who uses it while camping, and it truly blew me away with its surprising deliciousness! I initially added the tomato paste at the end to achieve a more traditional stew-like consistency, and the combination was perfect. My friend swore that a liter of this particular soda made the dish absolutely amazing, and after trying it for myself, I can confirm it was a massive hit that defied all expectations!
Mountain Dew Recipes: Beyond the Soda Pop
If you’re curious about the versatility of Mountain Dew in cooking, a quick Google search will actually surprise you! You’ll find a surprisingly diverse array of culinary creations featuring this iconic green soda. From sweet treats like cheesecakes and brownies to a variety of refreshing cocktails, its unique citrusy and sweet flavor profile lends itself to many interesting and unexpected applications. It’s much more than just a beverage!
You can even use it to create our incredibly simple 2-ingredient cake! Imagine a vibrant green cake if you use white cake mix – it could be a fun and festive “Grinch cake” perfect for the holiday season, adding a touch of playful color to your dessert spread!
Once our Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew was done cooking, it had a wonderful, thick, and inviting consistency. It continued to thicken further as it rested and cooled, developing an even richer texture and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer your cabbage to remain a bit firmer and retain more bite, you might consider slightly reducing the high-pressure cooking time from 6 minutes to 4 minutes. This small adjustment can make a difference in the final texture of the vegetables to suit your preference.
How To Make Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew
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Saute the Sausage
Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your pressure cooker. Set it to sauté mode. Add the sliced sausage rounds (kielbasa or andouille work best) and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and caramelized. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base that will infuse the entire stew. -
Layer the Ingredients
Turn off the sauté function. Begin layering your remaining ingredients into the pot without stirring. First, add the sliced onions evenly over the sausage. Next, add the cubed potatoes. Remember, smaller potato chunks will result in a softer texture, so aim for uniform, medium-sized cubes to prevent them from breaking down too much during cooking. Finally, add the broken-apart cabbage squares. It is important to ensure that the total volume of ingredients does not exceed the “MAX FILL” line inside your pot to ensure safe pressure cooking. -
Add the Liquid and Pressure Cook
Carefully pour the entire liter of Mountain Dew soda over all the layered ingredients. It’s important NOT to stir the contents at this stage, as stirring can sometimes lead to a “BURN” error due to ingredients settling on the bottom. Close the lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Program your pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Note that it will take some time for the pot to come to pressure due to the volume of liquid and ingredients, which is perfectly normal. -
Thicken the Stew
Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully lift the lid. Set the pressure cooker back to the sauté function. In a separate measuring cup, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid from the pot. Add the 1/2 cup of tomato paste to this liquid and whisk until completely smooth and fully combined. Stir this tomato paste mixture back into the stew in the pot. To further thicken, prepare a cornstarch slurry: In a small dish, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with just enough cold water (about 3-4 tablespoons) to create a smooth, lump-free paste. Add this slurry to the pot and stir continuously until the stew reaches your desired thick consistency. Turn off the pressure cooker. -
Serve and Enjoy!
The stew will continue to thicken slightly as it cools and rests, allowing the flavors to deepen. Serve this delightful Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew hot, perhaps with some fresh crusty rolls for dipping and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of savory flavor. Enjoy this unique and comforting meal!
If you love trying new and unconventional dishes, you’ll undoubtedly love this Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew, much like our intriguing swamp cabbage recipe. I only share recipes that have been a complete hit in my own home and earned enthusiastic approval. So, while you might be thinking “Ehhhh…” about the Mountain Dew, I strongly encourage you to experience this surprising culinary success for yourself. It’s a flavor combination you won’t soon forget!
Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew
By Justine
This Instant Pot Mountain Dew stew is an incredible sweet and savory sausage and cabbage stew that uses soda pop as the liquid. It’s surprisingly delicious, uniquely flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in your pressure cooker!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 sausage link (we used a 13.5 oz package of andouille, sliced into dials)
- 1 onion, sliced into large chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, sliced into chunks (about 1.5-inch cubes)
- 4 cups cabbage, cut into 1.5″ cubes (about half a medium head)
- 1 liter Mountain Dew soda (approximately 4.5 cups, which is half of a 2-liter container)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing the sausage)
- Cold water (a few tablespoons for creating the cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables by slicing onions, cubing potatoes, and cutting cabbage. Add about 1 tbsp of olive oil into your pressure cooker. Set the cooker to sauté mode. Add the sliced sausage rounds and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are lightly browned and caramelized. This develops a rich flavor base.
- Turn the pot off. Layer the sliced onions evenly over the sausage at the bottom. Then, add your cubed potatoes on top, followed by the cubed cabbage squares. Ensure that the total volume of ingredients does not exceed the “MAX FILL” line inside your pot.
- Carefully pour the entire liter of Mountain Dew soda over all the layered ingredients. Do not stir the contents at this stage.
- Close the lid securely and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set your pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. (Note: It will take a bit longer for the pot to reach pressure due to the large volume of liquid and ingredients, which is perfectly normal). Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- After the pressure has been fully released, carefully lift the lid. Set the pressure cooker back to the sauté function. Scoop out about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid from the pot into a measuring cup. Add the 1/2 cup of tomato paste to this liquid and whisk together until it is completely smooth. Stir this tomato paste mixture back into the main pot of stew.
- To thicken the stew further, prepare a cornstarch slurry: In a small separate dish, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with just enough cold water (about 3-4 tablespoons) to create a smooth, lump-free paste. Add this slurry to the pot and stir continuously while on sauté mode until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. Turn off the pressure cooker.
- The stew will continue to thicken slightly as it cools and rests, enhancing its rich texture. Serve this delightful Instant Pot Mountain Dew Stew hot, optionally with fresh rolls and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 47 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
- Sodium: 179mg
- Potassium: 252mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 284 IU
- Vitamin C: 17mg
- Calcium: 29mg
- Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation.
Additional Info
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American
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