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Welcome to the world of quick and delicious meals made possible with a trusty pressure cooker. If you’re a fan of hearty and tender beef stew but don’t want to spend hours simmering it in a regular pot on the stovetop, you’re in for a treat. In this post, we’ll show you how to make mouthwatering pressure-cooked beef stew in just half the time – with the use of your pressure cooker, of course.
Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a rich and flavorful beef stew ready to be served within minutes. Tender chunks of stew meat, infused with the savory essence of herbs and spices, will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. But how exactly does one achieve such succulent results in half the time? With the magic of pressure cooking, you’ll be able to achieve just that. So, dust off your pressure cooker and get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick and easy beef stew recipe. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets of pot-to-plate goodness!
Traditionally, beef stew is simmered for hours on the stove or in a slow cooker to achieve that mouthwatering tenderness. However, with the help of a pressure cooker, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of beef stew in a fraction of the time.
What is Pressure Cooking?
Pressure cooking is a popular method of cooking that involves using a sealed pot with a steam valve to create a high-pressure environment. This allows the food to cook faster and more evenly, as the high pressure increases the boiling point of water, resulting in faster cooking times. Pressure cooking is especially great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as beef stew meat or chuck roast, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich flavors. By combining the right ingredients and following a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and hearty beef stew in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
How to Make Pressure-Cooked Beef Stew
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you can start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients for your pressure cooker beef stew. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
1. Beef Stew Meat: Start with about two pounds of beef stew meat. The best choice for this recipe is chuck roast, as it becomes incredibly tender when cooked under pressure. Make sure to cut the beef into relatively similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Chuck roast is a popular choice for beef stew, and for good reason. This cut of meat comes from the shoulder of the cow and is well-marbled with fat, which makes it perfect for slow cooking and pressurized cooking methods. The fat melts during the cooking process, resulting in tender, flavorful beef that effortlessly falls apart.
2. Olive Oil: You’ll need a tablespoon of olive oil to brown the beef and add some richness to the stew. Olive oil is not just a delicious and versatile cooking ingredient; it also brings a host of health benefits to your table. In terms of taste, olive oil adds a delightful and distinct flavor profile to any dish it accompanies. Its smooth and buttery texture enhances the natural flavors of your ingredients.
3. Salt and Black Pepper: Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper to develop a flavorful crust when browning.
4. Yellow Onion and Garlic: A diced yellow onion and a few cloves of minced garlic will add aromatic flavors to the stew. When selecting a yellow onion for your stew, choose one that is firm and has a dry, papery skin. Avoid those with soft spots or signs of molding.
Yellow onions are not only delicious but also offer health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants that may help promote heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.
5. Beef Broth creates a savory base for the stew. You can also use beef stock for a richer flavor.
6. Worcestershire Sauce enhances the umami taste of the stew. Worcestershire sauce is a condiment that adds a unique and savory flavor to a variety of dishes including stews. This versatile sauce is made from a blend of ingredients, including vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, onions, garlic, and various spices. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy, with a hint of savory richness. It also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and potassium.
7. Tomato Paste: A couple of tablespoons of tomato paste will contribute to the depth and richness of the stew. It helps create a flavorful sauce that coats the beef and vegetables.
8. Vegetables: Choose a variety of vegetables to include in your stew. Carrots, potatoes (such as gold or russet), and peas are common choices. You can also add diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Russet potatoes are an excellent choice. These starchy potatoes are known for their fluffy texture and ability to hold their shape, making them perfect for hearty soups and stews. Russet potatoes not only add substance and texture to your beef stew but also offer nutritional benefits. They are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy and help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Additionally, Russet potatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber.
9. Herbs and Spices: Consider adding some Italian seasoning or any other herbs and spices you prefer to enhance the flavor of the stew. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.
Instructions to Make Pressure-Cooked Beef Stew
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and brown them on all sides, which will help seal in the juices and develop a rich flavor.
Then add in the diced yellow onion and a few cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the liquid components to the stew. Pour in four cups of beef broth, along with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste. These ingredients will add depth and richness to the stew. You can also add some Italian seasoning or any other herbs and spices you prefer for additional flavor.
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the stew for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your beef pieces. After the cooking time is up, do a quick release from the pressure cooker. Be cautious as the steam is hot, so use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands.
Adding the vegetables comes next. Feel free to play around with different vegetables to suit your taste or as suggested above.
Add the vegetables to the pressure cooker, making sure they are evenly distributed. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors and ensure the vegetables are coated with the broth and seasoning.
Return to pressure cooking for another 10 minutes to cook the vegetables. Or simply cook them (the vegetables) in the same pot with the already cooked beef), over medium-high heat for another 20 minutes. If you desire a thicker stew, you can mix a slurry of a few tablespoons cornstarch and water and add it to the pot. Select the sauté function and cook the stew briefly until it thickens to your desired consistency. This step is optional, as some prefer a thinner broth.
Once the stew is ready, allow it to cool slightly before serving. The flavors will continue to meld together as they rest. Enjoy the beef stew hot with some crusty bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Pressure-Cooked Beef Stew
Beef stew is one of those classic dishes that everyone loves. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make. There are also a variety of ways to serve beef stew, depending on your preferences.
One great way to serve beef stew is over creamy mashed potatoes. Start by preparing the potatoes however you like—boiled, roasted, or mashed.
Alongside steamed white rice, with flat breads, or dinner rolls, or they can also be served as is. Its soup can provide comfort and the whole dish provides healthy stuff for any meal anytime.
How to Store Leftover Pressure-Cooked Beef Stews
Leftover stews can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for a good couple of days. Reheat them in a pot over medium heat and serve. Dinner ready, as they say.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Larger pieces of beef with bones can also be another choice for stews. The soup will provide enough collagen for a healthier meal. Just add a few minutes of pressure cooking time, like 3-5 minutes.
You can add beef cubes in the cooking process, but lessen the salt to balance the taste of your hearty stew.
A teaspoon pepper can help in adding more flavor as you serve your flavorful stews.
For a comforting soup, serve cups beef broth as is.
Fork-tender beef is gsuitablealong with any green salad of your choice and boiled baby potatoes.
Recipe
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From Pot to Plate: Pressure Cooked Beef Stew in Just Half the Time
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: cooking
- Cuisine: International
Description
Recipe for mouthwatering beef stew in just half the time using your pressure cooker.
Ingredients
1 kg beef cuts
1 tablespoon (15ml)olive oil
2 medium-sized yellow onions sliced or diced roughly
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 – 4 medium-sized potatoes, quartered
2 medium-sized carrots, cut into chunks
100g green beans, cleaned and cut into 3-inch pieces
Beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsps Italian Seasoning
1/2 cups tomato paste
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown them on all sides.
- Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in four cups of beef broth, along with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning or any other herbs and spices you prefer for additional flavor.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the stew for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your beef pieces. After the cooking time is up, do a quick release from the pressure cooker.
- Add the potatoes, green beans, and carrots to the pressure cooker, making sure they are evenly distributed. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors and ensure the vegetables are coated with the broth and seasoning.
- Return to pressure cooking for another 10 minutes to cook the vegetables. Alternatively, cook the vegetables in the same pot with the already-cooked beef, over medium-high heat for another 20 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch slurry, if using. Stir for another minute.
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Keywords: pressured-cooked beef stew, beef pressure cooker recipe, beef stew
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