Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, hearty dinner that comes together faster than traditional stews, I’m about to share my all-time favorite Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the beef gets and how the flavors meld together perfectly in under an hour. Whether you’re rushed after work or just want a cozy meal with minimal fuss, this stew will quickly become your go-to comfort dish. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor—and I’ve rounded up the freshest items and pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.

• Chuck roast: This cut is perfect for stewing because it becomes tender without falling apart.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef.
• Vegetable oil and butter: For browning the meat and adding richness to the stew base.
• Frozen diced onion: Convenient and full of flavor that softens nicely during cooking.
• Beef broth: The heart of the stew’s liquid, keeps things savory and filling.
• Crushed tomatoes: Adds subtle acidity and depth to the broth.
• Dried parsley and bay leaves: Herbaceous notes that round out the flavor profile.
• New potatoes: Their waxy texture holds well during pressure cooking.
• Carrots and celery: Classic stew veggies that add sweetness and crunch.
• All-purpose flour: For thickening the stew into a luscious gravy.
• Frozen corn and peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe can be—feel free to tweak it based on what you love or what’s in season. This is your stew, after all.

• Make it spicy: I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick that my family enjoys on chilly nights.
• Swap the veggies: When I want a twist, I toss in parsnips or turnips instead of carrots for a slightly different earthiness.
• Use gluten-free flour: To make the stew gluten-free, I substitute cornstarch mixed with cold water for the flour slurry without sacrificing that perfect, thick sauce.
• Turn it into a stew for two: Halve the recipe and adjust the cook times slightly for less volume without losing any flavor complexity.

How to Make Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Season those beautiful chunks of chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Then, hit “Sauté” on your pressure cooker, heat your oil and butter, and brown the meat in batches. This step is crucial—you’re building that deep, savory flavor right here. Don’t crowd the pot or the meat will steam instead of caramelize, so patience makes perfect!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Deglaze

Once all the beef is browned and set aside, toss in the frozen diced onion. Stir and let it soften for about 3 minutes. Then pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This little trick is what turns a good stew into a great one.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef with Herbs and Tomatoes

Return the browned beef to the pot, pour in crushed tomatoes, add dried parsley and bay leaves, then lock the lid securely. Set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 10 minutes. When it beeps, allow it to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes before finishing with a quick release. Taking the time to let it release naturally helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Finish Cooking

Pop in your potatoes, carrots, and celery, then cook on High Pressure for an additional 2 minutes. Again, a 5-minute natural release helps your stew stay perfectly cooked without overcooking those tender veggies. This short extra cook time makes sure the root vegetables are soft but still hold their shape beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth and Add Final Touches

Mix the flour and cold water to form a slurry, then whisk some hot broth from the pot in before stirring it all back in. Switch your pressure cooker back to Sauté and bring the stew to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens up into a rich, velvety sauce. Stir in frozen corn and peas last, warming just enough without turning mushy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the stew just before serving—it brightens up the rich flavors and adds a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top or a pinch of dried thyme works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This beef stew is a meal in itself, but I often serve it with a crusty baguette or buttery garlic mashed potatoes for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Occasionally, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens things up nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special meals, I like to serve this stew in individual bread bowls—it’s both fun and comforting! Another neat trick is layering it over creamy polenta or buttery egg noodles for a twist that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious!

Freezing

I often freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some room for expansion and label the containers with the date so you can enjoy this stew anytime hassle-free.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the veggies intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites because it’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. I love how it fills the kitchen with that rich, savory aroma and the way that beef becomes tender without hours of hands-on cooking. So next time you want a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, give this recipe a try—I promise, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Print