Beef stew made in a pressure cooker is a game changer for busy weeknights. You’ll love how easy it is to create a hearty meal in under an hour. The pressure cooker locks in all the flavours and makes the meat incredibly tender.

Gathering the right ingredients is simple. You’ll need beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and beef broth. Feel free to swap out any vegetables based on what you have at home.

Making the stew involves browning the beef, adding the veggies and broth, and letting the pressure cooker do its magic.

For the best results, remember to sear the beef first for deeper flavour.

Serve the stew with fresh bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

To get started, here’s a list of ingredients: beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and your choice of herbs.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

Pressure Cooking Magic

Pressure cooking changes the game. It locks in flavours and juices that regular cooking methods can lose.

As the beef cooks under pressure, it becomes tender and succulent in a fraction of the time.

You can put all your ingredients in and let the cooker do the work. Within an hour, you will have a meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

This method is perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm and delicious without a lot of fuss.

Hearty and Comforting

This stew is the ultimate comfort food.

You’ve got tender chunks of beef stewed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. Each bite is filled with rich flavours and warmth.

It’s perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. Serve it with fresh bread for dipping, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love. You might even find yourself making this stew again and again, as it’s just that satisfying!

Ingredients and Substitutions

When making a delicious beef stew in a pressure cooker, having the right ingredients is key. You can also make some substitutions to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a tasty pressure-cooked beef stew:

• Beef chuck: 1 kg, cut into chunks
• Potatoes: 3 medium, diced
• Carrots: 2 large, sliced
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Beef broth: 500 ml
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Bay leaves: 2
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried
• Pepper and salt: to taste
• Oil: for browning the meat

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your serving needs.

Tweaks for Dietary Preferences

You can easily switch out some ingredients to cater to different dietary needs.

For example, if you want a healthier option, use leaner cuts of beef like sirloin or opt for chicken instead.

If you’re going vegetarian, try using mushrooms or lentils along with vegetable broth.

For gluten-free diets, ensure your broth does not contain any gluten.

Also, swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes adds a twist and works well for those looking for a different taste or health benefits.

How to Make the Stew

Making beef stew in a pressure cooker is simple and quick. You’ll enjoy rich flavours and tender meat without spending all day cooking. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can add garlic for extra flavour.
2. Brown the Beef
   Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode. Add a bit of oil and brown the beef chunks on all sides. This step adds depth to the stew.
3. Add the Vegetables
   Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped vegetables. Stir them together for a minute. This helps to release their flavours.
4. Pour in the Liquid
   Add beef broth and a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for flavour. Make sure the liquid covers the ingredients.
5. Seasoning
   Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or bay leaves. These spices enhance the overall taste of the stew.
6. Cook Under Pressure
   Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes. It will yield tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
7. Release the Pressure
   After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, use the quick release for any remaining pressure.
8. Serve
   Stir the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. It’s ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for a Perfect Stew

Getting your beef stew just right can make all the difference. Focus on the cut of meat and how you seal in the flavour to elevate your dish.

Choosing the Right Cut

The cut of beef you choose will greatly affect the taste and texture of your stew.

Look for tougher cuts like chuck, brisket, or shank. These cuts become tender and juicy when cooked slowly, especially under pressure.

Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can dry out. You want cuts that have fat and connective tissue. This will break down during cooking, adding richness to the sauce.

When shopping, don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for recommendations. They can help you pick the best cut for your stew, ensuring a delicious meal.

Sealing in Flavour

To bring out the best in your stew, start by browning the beef. This step adds depth to the flavour through caramelisation. Use a little oil in your pressure cooker and brown the beef in batches.

Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can steam the meat instead of searing it. Once browned, set the meat aside.

Next, sauté your vegetables, like onions and carrots, in the same pot. This helps to build even more flavour.

Also, don’t forget to deglaze the pot afterward. Adding a splash of red wine or broth will lift the fond (the tasty bits stuck to the bottom) and infuse your stew with extra richness.

Hearty Pressure Cooked Beef Stew

Beef stew made in a pressure cooker is a game changer for busy weeknights. You’ll love how easy it is to create a hearty meal in under an hour. The pressure cooker locks in all the flavours and makes the meat incredibly tender.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 kg beef chuck cut into chunks
• 3 medium potatoes diced
• 2 large carrots sliced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 500 ml beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon oil / ghee / tallow to brown the meat

Instructions

 

• Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can add garlic for extra flavour.
• Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode. Add a bit of oil and brown the beef chunks on all sides. This step adds depth to the stew.
• Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped vegetables. Stir them together for a minute. This helps to release their flavours.
• Add beef broth and a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for flavour. Make sure the liquid covers the ingredients.
• Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or bay leaves. These spices enhance the overall taste of the stew.
• Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes. It will yield tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
• After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, use the quick release for any remaining pressure.
• Stir the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. It’s ready to be enjoyed!

Keyword beef, one pan