Pressure Cooking Guide
How Long To Cook Beef Stew In Pressure Cooker?
Beef stew is one of those timeless comfort meals that tastes rich, warm, and deeply satisfying. Traditionally, it takes hours to soften tough beef cuts, but with a pressure cooker, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth beef stew in a fraction of the time. By using the right cooking times and simple steps, you can create a hearty stew perfect for weeknights or slow, cosy weekends.
How Long Does Beef Stew Take in a Pressure Cooker?
Cooking time depends on the size of the beef pieces and the thickness of your stew. Below is a helpful guide:
| Beef Type | Cut Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2–3 cm cubes | 30–35 minutes |
| Chuck or blade beef | Large chunks | 35–40 minutes |
| Brisket | Cubed | 40–45 minutes |
| Frozen beef pieces | Any size | Add 5–7 extra minutes |
| Vegetables (carrots, potatoes) | Cut into thick pieces | 8–10 minutes (added later) |
Tip: Allow at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release for tender beef and richer flavour.
How to Make Beef Stew in a Pressure Cooker (Step-by-Step)
1. Season and brown the beef
Coat beef with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Heat a little oil in your pressure cooker and brown the beef on all sides to build flavour.
2. Add vegetables and aromatics
Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes create a delicious base. Sauté them lightly after removing the browned beef.
3. Build the stew liquid
Add tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs like thyme or bay leaf, and stir well. Place the browned beef back into the pot.
4. Pressure cook
Seal the lid and cook according to the timing chart above. Start the timer only once full pressure is reached.
5. Release pressure
Use natural release for 10 minutes for tender beef. Quick release is fine afterwards to serve sooner.
6. Thicken and finish
If you prefer thicker stew, simmer on sauté mode for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pressure-Cooked Beef Stew
- Use tougher cuts like chuck—they soften beautifully under pressure.
- Browning the meat adds deep, caramelised flavour.
- Add potatoes later to avoid them becoming too soft.
- Don’t skimp on herbs—thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf work well.
- For thicker gravy, mix a spoon of flour or cornflour with cold water and stir in at the end.
What to Serve with Beef Stew
- Fresh crusty bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted vegetables
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with warm, comforting sides.
Shop Quality Pressure Cookers
At The Living Styles, we stock high-performance pressure cookers that make tender beef stew easy and dependable. Our top-quality collection includes trusted brands like WMF, Scanpan, Pyrolux, and Wiltshire—known for durability, safety, and excellent heat distribution.
