Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew Recipe
You’ll love this Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew recipe because it combines rich flavors and tender meat in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional stew.
The pressure cooker transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites, giving you that comforting taste without hours of simmering. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone enthusiastic to dig in.
It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. I appreciate how quickly I can serve up a hearty meal on busy nights, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary that warms the soul.
Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients of Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew
If you’re ready to plunge into a bowl of cozy goodness, then you’ll want to gather the ingredients for this delightful Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew. Just think about it: tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory sauce that melds together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just for yourself, this stew is sure to satisfy your cravings and fill your home with delicious aromas. So, let’s get started and see what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean beef (or 1 pound of beef and 1 pound of veal), cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 lb white mushrooms or 1 lb baby portabella mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (or oil of choice)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed Italian plum tomatoes with liquid (or two 14 ounce cans of tomato sauce)
- 4-6 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 lb)
- 5 large peeled potatoes, cut in half, then quarter each half
- 1 lb fresh green string beans, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces (can use frozen cut green beans)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- Salt (to your taste)
- Pepper (to your taste)
- 1 1/2-2 cups boiling water
Now, you might wonder if you can substitute anything while shopping for these ingredients. The answer is yes! If you’re not a fan of one type of meat, feel free to mix it up. Maybe you prefer chicken or just want to stick with veggies for a meatless option—go for it. Also, if you can’t find fresh green beans, frozen ones work just as well. And don’t stress too much about the spices; if you have some Italian seasoning lying around, that could be a quick fix. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so just have fun and make it your own!
How to Make Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew
Alright, let’s plunge into making this delightful Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew. First things first, grab that 2 lbs of lean beef (or if you’re feeling adventurous, mix in 1 pound of beef with 1 pound of veal). Cut those proteins into cubes—don’t stress if they aren’t all perfectly uniform; this isn’t a cooking competition.
Heat up 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in your pressure cooker over medium heat, and toss in the sliced 1 medium onion. Sauté until it softens and becomes fragrant—this step really gets the aroma rolling, and trust me, your kitchen will start to feel like a cozy Italian bistro.
Once the onions are golden and happy, add in 1 lb of mushrooms (either white or baby portabella, your choice) and 1 minced garlic clove. Let them cook together until the mushrooms release their liquid, which is like a mini flavor explosion.
Now, it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters: stir in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed Italian plum tomatoes (or two 14-ounce cans of tomato sauce) alongside 1/2 cup of dry red wine. Don’t forget that 1 bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon each of crushed dried basil and oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Add just enough boiling water—1 1/2 to 2 cups—to bring the ingredient level to just over one-third of your pressure cooker’s capacity. Secure the lid, crank up the heat to bring it to HIGH pressure, and set a timer for 18-20 minutes.
Once that timer goes off, it’s time for the natural pressure release—this could take about 15-18 minutes. Patience is key here. After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid and stir in 4 to 6 chopped carrots and 5 large potatoes (cut in halves and quarters).
You’re going to secure the lid again and bring it back to HIGH pressure for just 4 minutes. When that’s done, do a quick release (watch out for the steam; it’s hotter than your ex’s mixtape), and test those carrots and potatoes. They should be a bit firm, but not crunchy.
Finally, toss in 1 lb of fresh green beans (or frozen if that’s what you have), give everything a gentle stir, and secure the lid one last time. Bring it to LOW pressure for 2 minutes, and then do another quick release.
Once the lid is off, give it a taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed—maybe it needs a pinch more salt or some extra herbs. And if the stew is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
And there you have it! A hearty, soul-warming stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a hug from your dinner. Enjoy!
Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew, you might be wondering how to customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
You can easily swap the beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter option. If you don’t have fresh veggies, frozen works just as well.
For a twist, try adding your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a touch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Consider using different types of potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a unique flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew
While enjoying a hearty bowl of Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew, you might wonder what to pair it with for a complete meal.
I love serving it with crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the stew perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, creamy polenta or mashed potatoes work wonders.
And don’t forget some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra flavor!
These sides not only enhance the dish but also make for a comforting dining experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Pressure Cooker Italian Beef Stew turns out perfectly every time, I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking. It saves time and keeps everything organized.
Don’t skip browning the meat; it adds depth to the flavor. If you want a richer taste, consider using beef broth instead of water.
For added texture, try incorporating different vegetables like peas or corn. Always taste before serving; adjusting the seasoning makes a huge difference.
Finally, let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your delicious creation!