Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Stew Meat With Sauce for Mexican Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, you’ll love this Pressure Cooker Stew Meat with Sauce for Mexican Rice.
I adore how quick and easy it’s to prepare, especially when I’m short on time. The rich, tangy sauce infuses the meat, making each bite tender and delicious.
Plus, it pairs perfectly with fluffy Mexican rice, creating a complete meal. I appreciate that this recipe allows me to freeze leftovers for later use, ensuring I always have a tasty option on hand.
Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home, just like it’s in mine!
Ingredients of Pressure Cooker Stew Meat With Sauce for Mexican Rice
When it comes to whipping up a comforting meal, this Pressure Cooker Stew Meat with Sauce for Mexican Rice really hits the spot. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, don’t you think? The combination of tender stew meat, a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, and fluffy rice makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, the ingredients are relatively straightforward, so you won’t need to hunt down any obscure items at the grocery store (thank goodness).
Let’s explore what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 – 3 lbs cubed lean stew meat (no fat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons chili peppers
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, cored, seeded, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (3 ounce) can diced green chilies
Now, before we get cooking, let’s chat about a couple of these ingredients.
First off, when it comes to stew meat, lean cuts are key to keeping the dish from becoming too greasy.
And while the recipe calls for Italian salad dressing, you can totally experiment with other dressings if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember, the more flavorful the dressing, the more it enhances the overall taste of the dish.
As for the spices, feel free to adjust the heat level according to your preference—if you love a fiery kick, go ahead and add more chili peppers or cayenne.
The beauty of cooking is making it your own, right?
Alright, let’s get ready to create some magic in the kitchen!
How to Make Pressure Cooker Stew Meat With Sauce for Mexican Rice
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Pressure Cooker Stew Meat with Sauce for Mexican Rice. First things first, grab yourself 2 to 3 pounds of cubed lean stew meat. It’s important to use lean cuts, trust me, nobody wants a greasy stew.
In a large pressure cooker, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once that oil is shimmering like it’s ready for a dance party, toss in the cubed meat. Give it a good stir to coat it in the oil.
Now, let’s not forget about flavor—add in 1/4 cup of Italian salad dressing, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Yes, I said brown sugar; it adds that lovely sweetness that balances everything out. Don’t be shy, mix it all up until the meat is well-coated in this sweet and tangy goodness.
Now that we’ve got the meat all dressed up, it’s time to spice things up! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of chili peppers, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin, and a dash of pepper—maybe a half teaspoon?—and if you’re feeling brave, throw in 3 dashes of cayenne pepper for that extra heat.
Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with 1/2 of a diced onion and a diced green pepper. Toss in a bay leaf and a can of diced green chilies. Stir everything together, and then pour in 1/3 cup of water to keep the meat nice and juicy.
Lock the lid on that pressure cooker, seal it up tight, and put the gauge over the steam vent. Now, turn the heat up to medium-high to raise the pressure to 15 pounds. Once you reach that pressure, dial it back to keep it steady, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Just a little pro tip: if you cook it for 20 minutes, the meat can turn a tad dry, and nobody wants that.
When the timer goes off, take the pressure cooker off the heat and let it sit until the steam escapes. It’s like waiting for a surprise party—so much anticipation.
Once it’s all cool, drain the meat but save those lovely juices. You can freeze the meat for later use in stroganoff or pulled beef sandwiches.
Now, for the sauce, add water to those saved juices until you have about four cups. In a four-quart saucepan, mix in the remaining sauce ingredients—salt, chili pepper, cumin, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and that bay leaf.
Add in the diced green pepper and onion, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until they start to soften. After that, cool it down and freeze it for later.
When you’re ready to make Mexican rice, simply thaw the sauce, heat it up, stir in your rice, and let it cook until fluffy. Easy peasy, right? Enjoy your cozy meal!
Pressure Cooker Stew Meat With Sauce for Mexican Rice Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious pressure cooker stew meat, you might want to explore some substitutions and variations to keep things interesting.
For the meat, try using chicken or pork for a different flavor. Instead of ketchup, I’ve used salsa for a zesty kick.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, replace brown sugar with honey or agave syrup. You can also add veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
For spice, consider swapping in smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Experimenting with these variations can lead to exciting new twists on this comforting dish!
What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Stew Meat With Sauce for Mexican Rice
What pairs best with the savory pressure cooker stew meat and its flavorful sauce?
I love serving it with a side of warm, fluffy tortillas. They’re perfect for scooping up the stew and sauce.
A fresh salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing adds a revitalizing contrast.
You can’t go wrong with some black beans or refried beans for added protein and texture.
I also enjoy a side of Mexican-style corn, seasoned with chili powder and lime.
Finally, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top elevates the dish and complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying your pressure cooker stew meat with its rich sauce, there are a few additional tips that can enhance your experience.
First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels; adding more chili or cayenne can really kick things up. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce.
Feel free to mix in veggies like carrots or potatoes for extra flavor.
Finally, remember to let the meat rest after cooking; it helps retain moisture.
Enjoy your meal with a side of warm tortillas or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the stew!