Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s bursting with rich flavors but doesn’t take hours to make, you’re in for a treat. This Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is seriously one of my all-time favorites. I mean, tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, perfectly cooked veggies, and a luscious gravy that will have you scraping the bowl clean. You’ll love how quickly it comes together without losing that slow-cooked depth of flavor you usually expect from traditional stews.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is all in the balance of fresh and pantry staples. I like to use chuck roast for that perfect melt-away texture, and frozen veggies help keep things simple without compromising flavor.

• Chuck roast: It’s ideal for stewing because it becomes incredibly tender under pressure.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the beef’s natural flavors.
• Vegetable oil and butter: A combo I like for browning meat—it adds richness and helps with caramelization.
• Frozen diced onion: No chopping required, plus it softens perfectly in the stew.
• Beef broth: Reduced sodium is great to control salt levels; it forms a flavorful base.
• Crushed tomatoes: They add acidity and depth, giving the stew a subtle tang.
• Dried parsley and bay leaves: Classic herbs that enhance the stew’s aroma and flavor complexity.
• Small new potatoes: They hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Carrots and celery: These veggies add natural sweetness and texture.
• All-purpose flour and cold water: For making a quick slurry to thicken the sauce nicely.
• Frozen corn and peas: Toss in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.

Variations

I love making this Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe my own by switching up the veggies or adding in a comforting twist. Feel free to play around—you’ll quickly find the version that your family adores the most.

• Adding Mushrooms: I once added cremini mushrooms for an earthy, meaty boost, and trust me, it was a total hit at the dinner table.
• Swap Potatoes for Sweet Potatoes: For a slight sweetness and extra vitamins, sweet potatoes are a tasty twist you might want to try.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the stew, and you’re all set for a gluten-sensitive crowd.
• Spice it Up: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne if you want a subtle smoky warmth.

How to Make Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown Your Beef

Start by generously seasoning your chuck roast cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper—don’t be shy here, this layers in essential flavor. Turn your pressure cooker to the sauté setting and add the vegetable oil and butter. Once the butter melts, brown the beef in batches. I like to let each piece develop a nice crust, about 5 minutes per batch, without crowding the pot. This step locks in the flavor and prevents the meat from stewing in its own juices too early. Once browned, set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same pot, toss in the frozen diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often until it softens and releases its aroma. Then, pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot. This means scraping up the brown bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon—those little bits pack crazy flavor. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried parsley, and bay leaves. Return the browned beef with its juices back to the pot, and give everything a good stir.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef

Seal your pressure cooker lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the timer’s up, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before finishing with a quick release. This combo helps ensure the meat is tender without turning mushy. When the valve drops, carefully open the lid.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Finish Cooking

Now stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Lock the lid back on and pressure cook on high for 2 more minutes. After cooking, do the same release process—5 minutes natural release then quick release. Remove and toss out the bay leaves (they’ve done their job!).

Step 5: Thicken the Stew and Add Final Touches

In a small bowl, whisk the flour with cold water until smooth—that’s your slurry. Ladle 1 cup of hot broth from the pot and slowly whisk it into the slurry to temper it, then dump it back into the stew. Turn the sauté function on and bring everything to a boil, stirring constantly, until the stew thickens up beautifully. Finally, stir in the frozen corn and peas for a sweet pop and season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the stew right before serving because it adds a fresh, vibrant note that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce. If you like a bit of tang, a spoonful of sour cream on top is a delightful touch that my family swears by.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but for extra comfort, I love pairing it with crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy. Sometimes, a simple green salad helps balance the richness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when guests come over, I’ve served this stew in individual mini cast iron pots or hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. It feels special and adds a cozy touch that never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the stew if it’s thickened too much. You’ll want it warm without boiling again to keep that tender beef perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pressure Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is my go-to whenever I want a no-fail, rich, and hearty meal without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and always brings smiles around the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s comfort food at its absolute best, fast and fuss-free. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll be starring in your weekly meal rotation before you know it!

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