Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef stew meat to the bowl and toss until the meat is coated with the flour mixture.
  2. Turn on the sauté function on your pressure cooker. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the coated beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
  3. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside.
  4. In the same pressure cooker, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
  7. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pressure cooker, along with any juices that may have accumulated.
  8. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the beef stew for 25 minutes.
  9. After the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
  10. Open the lid and add the carrot and potato chunks to the pressure cooker. Close the lid again and cook for an additional 5 minutes on high pressure.
  11. Perform a quick pressure release once more, and then carefully open the lid.
  12. Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through in the hot stew.
  13. Serve the pressure cooker beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

This Pressure Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful meal that can be prepared in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. Enjoy the tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth for a satisfying dinner any time of the year right here in Bedford!