This hearty beef stew comes together quickly in a pressure cooker. Tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and rich broth make it a cozy meal everyone loves.
You won’t believe how fast this stew cooks! After a long day, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of this comfort food. I like to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked. If you can’t find chuck, look for brisket or round roast as good alternatives.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer using vegetable oil, but olive oil works well too. If you want a richer flavor, you can use bacon grease or butter for browning the beef.
Red Wine: While optional, the red wine enhances the taste of the stew. If you don’t drink wine, substitute with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Baby Potatoes: They hold their shape well during cooking. If you don’t have them, regular potatoes work fine; just cut them into smaller chunks. Sweet potatoes can be a nice twist too!
Fresh Parsley: This is mainly for garnish, adding a fresh touch. If you don’t have parsley, try using chopped green onions or thyme for a similar look.
How to Sear Beef for Maximum Flavor?
Searing the beef adds a depth of flavor to your stew. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Make sure your pressure cooker is hot before adding oil. This ensures a good sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches. Crowding can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Let the beef cook undisturbed for a few minutes before turning so a good crust forms.
- After searing, don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pot when you add wine—this pulls up all those flavorful browned bits!
What’s the Trick for Perfectly Cooked Veggies?
When adding vegetables to your stew, timing is key. Here’s the best way to ensure they’re just right:
- Add heartier vegetables like potatoes and carrots first, after the meat has cooked.
- Cook these under pressure just long enough—about 8-10 minutes—so they’re tender but not mushy.
- If using peas, add them at the end of cooking. They need just a minute or two to heat through without losing their color and crunch.
Enjoy making this hearty, delicious stew! You’ll find it is not just easy but also rewarding to savor a bowl of homemade comfort.
How to Make Pressure Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of cooking time, including pressure cooking. You’ll have a delicious, warm meal ready within just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor right from the beginning!
2. Brown the Meat:
Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode or heat it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, brown the beef cubes in batches, searing all sides for about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for one more minute. Then, deglaze the pot with the optional red wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth, then add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Finally, return the browned beef to the pot. Mix everything well.
6. Pressure Cook:
Seal the pressure cooker and cook at high pressure for 30 minutes. Be sure to follow your pressure cooker’s instructions carefully for safety.
7. Release Pressure:
Once cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure according to your device’s guidelines.
8. Add Vegetables:
Now, add the baby potatoes and carrot chunks to the stew. Seal the pressure cooker again and cook at high pressure for an additional 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
9. Final Steps:
Release the pressure once again. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves! If you’d like a thicker stew, mix the flour and water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew while simmering on sauté mode for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
10. Stir in Optional Peas:
If using frozen peas, stir them in now and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
11. Taste and Adjust:
Give your stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your rich, tender, and flavorful Pressure Cooker Beef Stew!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find beef chuck, you can substitute with brisket or round roast. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Stew Gluten-Free?
To make this stew gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken your stew.
Can I Freeze Leftover Stew?
Yes, you can freeze leftover beef stew! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize your stew! Feel free to add vegetables like celery, green beans, or parsnips. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking time.