Pressure Cooker Beef Stew: A Comfort Food Classic, Made Easy
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful beef stew but short on time? A pressure cooker is your secret weapon! This recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and richly flavored vegetables in a fraction of the time of traditional stovetop methods. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet sophisticated dish.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger groups.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast or bottom round work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor; substitute with more broth if needed)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions for Perfect Pressure Cooker Beef Stew:
Get Started:
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds depth of flavor and color. Set aside.
Pressure Cooker Magic:
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pressure cooker. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the browned beef, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pressure cooker.
- Stir to combine and ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Pressure Cooking:
- Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This ensures the beef is incredibly tender.
Finishing Touches:
- If you desire a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Once the pressure is released, stir the slurry into the stew and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add other vegetables: Potatoes, mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips are all great additions. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Skip the browning step and add all ingredients directly to the pressure cooker. The stew will still be delicious, though browning adds a richer flavor.
- Meal prep friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
This pressure cooker beef stew recipe is your go-to for a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash. Enjoy!
