How To Make Beef Stew in an Electric Pressure Cooker

Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking with an electric pressure cooker! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious comfort meal, beef stew is an absolute classic. And with the help of your electric pressure cooker, you can whip up a hearty and flavorful stew in no time.

The electric pressure cooker is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that allows you to cook meals faster while helping to retain the nutrients and flavors of your ingredients. It works by trapping steam inside a sealed pot, which builds pressure and raises the boiling point of the water, thus speeding up cooking times.

Preparing beef stew in an electric pressure cooker not only cuts the cooking time down significantly but also ensures that your meat is tender and juicy, while the vegetables are soft and full of flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this method of cooking beef stew will surely become a favorite in your recipe arsenal.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making beef stew in an electric pressure cooker. We’ll cover everything from the equipment needed to the ingredients required, and walk you through each stage of the cooking process. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Equipment Needed

Before you begin making beef stew in an electric pressure cooker, let’s ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Electric Pressure Cooker: The main star of the show! Make sure you have a reliable electric pressure cooker that is the right size to accommodate your stew ingredients.
Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the vegetables and meat for your stew.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your recipe, have measuring cups and spoons on hand for both liquid and dry ingredients.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula or wooden spoon will come in handy for mixing and stirring your stew.
Heatproof Mitts or Gloves: Since the electric pressure cooker will be hot during the cooking process, it’s essential to have heatproof mitts or gloves to protect your hands when handling the pot.
Trivet: Some electric pressure cookers come with a trivet, which is a small metal stand that elevates the ingredients above the liquid. It helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
Plate or Bowl: You’ll need a plate or bowl to transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables before adding them back into the pressure cooker.
Optional: Immersion Blender or Potato Masher: If you prefer a thicker stew, having an immersion blender or potato masher on hand will allow you to blend or mash some of the cooked vegetables to create a creamy texture.

With these essential tools and equipment, you’ll be well-prepared to make delicious beef stew in your electric pressure cooker. Take inventory of what you already have and make sure to gather any missing items before diving into the cooking process.

Ingredients

To create a scrumptious beef stew in your electric pressure cooker, you’ll need a variety of ingredients to bring out the rich flavors and aromas. Here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need:

Beef: Choose a tender cut of beef suitable for stewing, such as chuck roast or stew meat. Aim for about 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef, cut into bite-sized cubes.
Vegetables: Traditional stew vegetables include onions, carrots, and potatoes. You’ll need 1 to 2 onions, 3 to 4 carrots, and 3 to 4 potatoes, all peeled and chopped into chunks.
Garlic: Enhance the flavors with 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped.
Tomato Paste: Add depth and richness to the stew with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Beef Broth: You’ll need about 2 cups of beef broth to provide a savory base for your stew. Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness.
Red Wine: For additional richness and complexity, add 1 cup of red wine. It will tenderize the beef and infuse the stew with a delightful depth of flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Season your stew with a combination of dried herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Customize the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
Cornstarch (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the stew towards the end of the cooking process.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a vibrant garnish and added freshness.

These ingredients will work together harmoniously to create a delicious and satisfying beef stew. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or herbs that you enjoy. Now that you have your equipment and ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process and savor the aroma of a homemade beef stew.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

The first step in making a flavorful beef stew is to brown the beef. This process helps to develop a rich caramelized flavor in the meat. Follow these steps:

Begin by heating your electric pressure cooker on the sauté function. Add a drizzle of oil to the pot and let it heat up.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to work in batches.
Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it forms a golden-brown crust on one side. Flip the beef cubes and brown the other side as well.
Once the beef is nicely browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate or bowl. The browning process will add depth of flavor to the stew.

Browning the beef is a crucial step as it creates a savory foundation for your stew. The caramelized bits leftover in the pot will add an incredible depth and richness to the overall flavor. Don’t rush this step and take your time to ensure each piece of beef is evenly browned. With the beef browned and set aside, it’s time to move on to the next step of preparing your electric pressure cooker beef stew.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices

After browning the beef, it’s time to add the vegetables and spices to build up the flavors of your beef stew. Follow these steps:

Keep the electric pressure cooker on the sauté function and add the chopped onions. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning.
Toss in the chopped carrots and potatoes, and sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften. This will enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the stew.
Next, add the tomato paste and stir it into the vegetables. Allow it to cook for a minute or two to release its flavors.
Sprinkle in the dried herbs and spices, such as bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences and stir everything together.

Sautéing the vegetables and spices before pressure cooking them allows the flavors to intensify and meld together. The aromatic combination of onions, garlic, herbs, and spices will infuse the stew with a tantalizing aroma. As the vegetables soften and the spices release their fragrance, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of a delicious homemade stew. With the vegetables and spices added, it’s time to move on to the next step of the cooking process.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Close the Lid

Now that you’ve sautéed the vegetables and spices to build up the flavors, it’s time to add the liquid to your electric pressure cooker beef stew. Follow these steps:

Pour in the beef broth, followed by the red wine. The liquid will provide a savory and aromatic base for your stew.
Give everything a gentle stir, ensuring that any browned bits at the bottom of the pot are scraped off. These flavorful bits will add depth to your stew.
Check the pressure cooker’s manual for the recommended minimum liquid requirement. Make sure you have enough liquid to generate steam and create pressure.
Once you’ve added the liquid, give it a final stir and ensure that no ingredients are stuck to the sides of the pot.
Securely close the lid of the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the venting knob is in the sealed position.

The combination of beef broth and red wine will not only provide a rich and flavorful base but will also help tenderize the beef and infuse it with delightful nuances. Closing the lid properly is crucial to create the necessary pressure inside the cooker. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a tight seal and prevent steam from escaping during the cooking process. With the lid closed and secure, it’s time to move on to the next step and start the cooking process in your electric pressure cooker.

Step 4: Set Pressure Cooker and Cook

With the lid securely closed and all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to set the cooking time and temperature on your electric pressure cooker. Follow these steps:

Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on your electric pressure cooker. The exact wording may vary depending on your specific model.
Use the “+” or “-” button to adjust the cooking time. Typically, beef stew requires around 25 to 30 minutes of pressure cooking time, depending on the size of the beef cubes and the desired tenderness. Refer to your pressure cooker’s manual for recommended cooking times.
Once you’ve set the cooking time, press the start button to begin the pressure cooking process. The pressure cooker will take some time to reach the required pressure before the cooking time countdown begins.
During the cooking process, avoid opening the pressure cooker to check on the stew. Opening the lid will release the pressure and extend the cooking time.
Set a timer once the cooking time is complete to ensure accuracy. After the recommended cooking time, the pressure cooker will switch to the “Keep Warm” function. You can let the stew naturally release pressure on its own, or move on to the next step for a quick release.

The pressure cooking method allows for fast and efficient cooking, infusing the flavors and tenderizing the beef. It’s important to follow the recommended cooking time for your specific electric pressure cooker model to achieve the desired results. Remember to exercise caution and never force open the lid until the pressure has been fully released. Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time to release the pressure and move on to the next step in creating your delicious electric pressure cooker beef stew.

Step 5: Natural Release or Quick Release

After the cooking time is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure in your electric pressure cooker: natural release or quick release. Let’s explore both methods:

Natural Release:

In the natural release method, you allow the pressure to dissipate naturally without manually releasing the steam. Follow these steps:

Once the cooking time is complete, simply turn off or unplug the pressure cooker and leave it undisturbed. The pressure will slowly decrease on its own, and the floating pressure indicator will drop back down.
This natural release method can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your pressure cooker and the amount of liquid and ingredients inside.
Once the floating pressure indicator drops, it is safe to open the lid. Be cautious of any remaining steam and open the lid away from your face.
With the lid removed, your beef stew is ready to be enjoyed!

Quick Release:

If you’re short on time or eager to dig into your beef stew, you can choose the quick release method to rapidly release the pressure. Follow these steps:

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully use a long-handled utensil, such as tongs, to turn the pressure release valve (also known as the venting knob) from the sealed position to the venting position.
Be prepared for a sudden release of steam. Ensure that the pressure cooker is positioned away from your face, and keep your hands and body clear of the steam vent.
As the steam is released, the floating pressure indicator will drop, indicating that the pressure has been fully released.
Once the floating pressure indicator drops, it is safe to open the lid. Be cautious of any remaining steam and open the lid away from your face.
With the lid removed, your delicious beef stew is ready to be served!

Choosing between natural release and quick release depends on your preference and the time you have available. Both methods will yield a flavorful and tender beef stew. Now that the pressure has been safely released, your electric pressure cooker beef stew is ready to be enjoyed!

Step 6: Thicken the Stew (optional)

If you prefer a thicker consistency for your beef stew, you can choose to thicken it using a simple technique. Here’s how:

Once the pressure has been released, remove about a cup of the cooking liquid from the stew and transfer it to a separate bowl.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the liquid and whisk until it forms a smooth slurry. This will help thicken the stew.
Return the slurry back into the pressure cooker and give it a good stir to incorporate it with the stew.
Turn on the sauté function and let the stew simmer for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Keep in mind that the stew will continue to thicken as it cools, so careful monitoring is advised to avoid over-thickening. This optional step allows you to customize the thickness of your beef stew according to your preferences. Once you’re satisfied with the thickness, it’s time to move on to the final step of serving and enjoying your delicious electric pressure cooker beef stew.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor and indulge in a comforting bowl of homemade electric pressure cooker beef stew. Follow these steps to serve and enjoy:

Ladle the hot and aromatic beef stew into serving bowls. Make sure to include a generous portion of tender beef chunks, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth in each bowl.
Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve your beef stew with crusty bread or a side of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious flavors.
Take a moment to appreciate the enticing aroma, the vibrant colors, and the rich flavors of your homemade beef stew.
Sit down, relax, and savor each comforting spoonful of this hearty and nourishing dish.

Enjoy the delightful combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth that has been infused with the essence of pressure cooking. The electric pressure cooker has worked its culinary magic, making your beef stew ready to be enjoyed with every bite.

Whether you’re serving this stew to family and friends or enjoying it as a comforting meal for yourself, take pleasure in the satisfaction of creating a delicious and wholesome dish from scratch. Celebrate the joy of good food and the memories made around it.

Now that you have completed all the steps, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delectable electric pressure cooker beef stew. Bon appétit!