Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food-hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days. But traditional recipes often require hours of simmering to get that tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich broth. What if you could enjoy a delicious beef stew in under an hour? That’s where the pressure cooker shines. It speeds up cooking dramatically while locking in all those wonderful flavors.
Here’s your friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to cook beef stew in a pressure cooker that will have you serving up a warm, satisfying meal in no time.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker for Beef Stew?
Pressure cooking works by sealing the pot and increasing the internal pressure, which raises the boiling point of water. This means food cooks faster and moisture is trapped inside, making tough cuts of beef incredibly tender and juicy in a fraction of the usual time. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a rich, hearty stew without the long wait.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3-5 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (or small new potatoes, unpeeled)
– 2 cups beef broth (or stock)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1-2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 cup red wine for extra depth of flavor
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Turn your pressure cooker to the sauté mode (or heat on stovetop if using a stove-top pressure cooker). Add the oil and let it heat up. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. This step seals in juices and adds rich flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This builds the stew’s flavor base.
3. Add Vegetables and Liquids
Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. If using, pour in the red wine. Give everything a good stir to combine. Avoid stirring after adding potatoes to keep them intact during cooking.
4. Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and set your pressure cooker to high pressure. Cook for about 30 to 35 minutes. For electric pressure cookers like Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, use the preset “Stew” or “Manual” mode. For stovetop models, bring to pressure, then reduce heat to maintain pressure and cook for the same time.
5. Release Pressure
Once cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes to keep the meat tender, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
6. Thicken the Stew
Open the lid and stir the stew. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Turn the sauté function back on and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the stew thickens to your liking. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Beef Stew
– Use tougher cuts of beef like chuck or brisket, which become tender and flavorful under pressure.
– Don’t skip browning the meat; it adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
– Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
– Avoid overfilling your pressure cooker; leave room for steam to build.
– Natural pressure release helps keep meat tender and prevents splattering.
– Add delicate vegetables or peas at the end if you want them firmer.
Variations to Try
– Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a twist.
– Add celery or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
– Use herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, or thyme to customize the aroma.
– For a richer stew, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
– For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms and vegetable broth.
Cooking beef stew in a pressure cooker is a game-changer. It transforms a traditionally slow-cooked dish into a quick, easy, and equally delicious meal. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you can enjoy a hearty, warming stew any day of the week.
Give it a try and discover how effortless and rewarding pressure cooker cooking can be!
Tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked veggies-all ready in under an hour. What’s not to love?