Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Irish Stew Recipe
Though there are countless stew recipes out there, I’ve found that this Pressure Cooker Irish Stew stands out because it’s not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly easy to make.
I love how the pressure cooker locks in all those rich flavors, making the meat tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked in no time.
It’s comforting and hearty, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Plus, the minimal prep time means I can whip it up without spending all day in the kitchen.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to stew recipe.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients of Pressure Cooker Irish Stew
When it comes to making a comforting dish like Irish stew, having the right ingredients is key. This Pressure Cooker Irish Stew recipe is a delightful combination of meats, vegetables, and all the flavors that make your taste buds dance. It’s a cozy, hearty meal that warms you right up, especially when that chilly wind is blowing outside.
So, let’s gather what you’ll need for this culinary adventure. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this list handy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 lbs stew meat (I like to mix half beef and half pork for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 (10 1/4 ounce) can tomato soup
- 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth (or water if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 4 carrots, coarsely chopped
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
- 4 onions (half coarsely chopped, half diced; yes, it’s a lot of onions, but trust me, it’s worth it)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine (because a little green is always good)
- 1 (12 ounce) can beer or 1 (12 ounce) can ale (don’t worry, it cooks off)
- 2 bay leaves (the secret to that “oh wow” flavor)
Now, while gathering these ingredients, keep in mind that the quality of your stew meat plays a big role in the final taste. A good cut of beef or pork that’s meant for stewing will make your meal tender and juicy—no one wants to chew on something tough, right?
And if you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different root vegetables or herbs. After all, cooking is all about making it your own. Just remember, the more love you put into it, the better it’ll taste.
How to Make Pressure Cooker Irish Stew
To whip up a delicious Pressure Cooker Irish Stew, we’re going to start by preheating your pressure cooker on medium-high heat. This step is essential because we want to get that perfect sear on our meat.
Now, grab your 1 1/2 lbs of stew meat—mixing half beef and half pork adds a delightful depth of flavor. Toss the meat in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil until it’s well-coated. This oil not only helps with searing but also builds that rich flavor base we’re after.
Once your pressure cooker is hot, drop in half of the meat and sear it on all sides. Don’t rush this part; a good sear will add a wonderful caramelized taste to your stew. Repeat this process with the other half of the meat.
After all that hard work searing, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside. Now, here comes the fun part—deglazing! Pour in 1 (12 ounce) can of beer or ale (or chicken broth if you prefer) into the hot pot. This step is super important; it lifts all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot and infuses the stew with flavor.
Once you’ve deglazed, return the meat to the pot and add in the rest of your ingredients: 1 (10 1/4 ounce) can of tomato soup, 1 (14 ounce) can of chicken broth (or more water), 4 coarsely chopped carrots, 4 large potatoes cut into chunks, 4 stalks of celery, 4 onions (half coarsely chopped, half diced), 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, 1/3 cup of freshly chopped parsley, and 2 bay leaves.
Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined and covered in liquid. If it looks a little dry, don’t hesitate to add more broth or water.
Once everything is in the pot, put the lid on your pressure cooker, ensuring it’s sealed properly. Bring it to 15 pounds of pressure and cook for 17 minutes.
While it’s cooking, you can take a moment to clean up your kitchen or maybe even sneak a taste of that beer you opened earlier—just a sip, of course.
After the cooking time is up, carefully open the pressure cooker using your preferred method. What you’ve got now is a hearty, flavorful Irish stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Serve it up with some crusty bread, and enjoy the cozy warmth that fills your home. You deserve it!
Pressure Cooker Irish Stew Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve got your Pressure Cooker Irish Stew recipe down, you might be wondering how to tailor it to your taste.
You can easily swap the meats; try lamb or chicken for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with hearty mushrooms or lentils.
When it comes to veggies, toss in parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes. Don’t forget spices—adding thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate your stew.
If you want a thicker stew, mix in a cornstarch slurry before serving.
Get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Irish Stew
Wondering what to pair with your hearty Pressure Cooker Irish Stew?
I love serving it with crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls to soak up all that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew perfectly.
If you want something heartier, try colcannon—mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale.
For a drink, a pint of stout or a light Irish ale complements the flavors beautifully.
Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your meal; it’s pure comfort food!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Pressure Cooker Irish Stew, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind to enhance the dish.
First, don’t skip the searing step; it adds incredible depth of flavor. I also recommend using a good-quality beer or ale, as it can really elevate the taste.
If you prefer thicker stew, consider adding a cornstarch slurry after cooking. For extra freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving.
Finally, let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking; the flavors will meld beautifully. Trust me, these little touches will make a big difference! Enjoy your cooking!