Ultimate Instant Pot & Power Cooker Stewed Potatoes: Easy Braised Perfection

For all Instant Pot and Power Cooker enthusiasts, get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection! This incredibly delicious and satisfying Stewed Potato Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, flavorful potatoes and succulent meat, all slow-cooked to perfection in a single, convenient unit. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made effortless and packed with heartwarming flavor!

Braised potatoes, often associated with rich, deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, have traditionally required long hours over the stovetop or in the oven. However, with the advent of modern pressure cookers like the Instant Pot and Power Cooker, you can achieve that same depth of flavor and texture in a fraction of the time. This recipe specifically leverages the efficiency of these smart appliances to bring you a hearty meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long.

While this recipe is expertly tailored for pressure cookers, if you don’t happen to own an Instant Pot or Power Cooker, don’t fret! You can still enjoy this incredible dish using alternative cooking methods. We have a similar slow cooker version available, which also includes detailed oven instructions. These classic approaches still yield fantastic results, offering delicious versatility for every kitchen setup. But for those with a pressure cooker, prepare for a true game-changer in your weeknight meal rotation!

Both the Power Cooker and Instant Pot are essentially programmable pressure cookers, sharing many core functionalities that make them ideal for preparing this comforting dish. While the Instant Pot might boast a few extra features, such as a yogurt maker or more specialized presets, both units are perfectly capable of delivering an outstanding potato and meat stew. We’ll provide quick, clear, and easy-to-follow instructions for both, ensuring you can confidently prepare this amazing meal no matter which appliance you have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Potato Stew

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s bound to become a family favorite:

• Unbeatable Speed & Efficiency: Experience the magic of achieving slow-cooked flavor and tender results in a fraction of the traditional time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This recipe cooks everything in a single pot, significantly minimizing cleanup time and effort.
• Incredible Depth of Flavor: Pressure cooking truly infuses the potatoes and meat with rich, deep flavors from the savory sauce and aromatic seasonings, creating a harmonious and complex taste profile.
• Perfectly Tender & Comforting: The meat becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart, while the potatoes absorb all the delicious broth, resulting in the ultimate hearty and comforting meal experience.
• Highly Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. Easily incorporate your favorite vegetables or swap out the type of meat to suit your preferences or what you have available.
• Simple Ingredients, Amazing Results: Despite its impressive flavor, the ingredient list is straightforward and uses common pantry staples, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients for Your Hearty Pressure Cooker Potato Stew

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich, comforting taste of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create this memorable meal:

Essential Components:

• 8 Golden Potatoes (about 3 1/2 lbs), cut into quartered chunks: Golden potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, are an excellent choice for stewing. They boast a creamy texture, hold their shape well during pressure cooking, and brilliantly absorb the rich flavors of the stew. Cutting them into uniform quartered chunks ensures even cooking.
• 1 lb Pork, cut into chunks (or Beef): For the meat, pork shoulder, pork butt, or even a leaner pork loin can be used, cut into bite-sized pieces. If opting for beef, chuck roast or dedicated stew meat works wonderfully. Uniformly sized chunks are key for consistent tenderness. Browning the meat is a non-negotiable step to develop deep, savory notes.

Key Flavor Enhancers & Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup Mayo (Mayonnaise): This might seem like an unconventional addition to a stew, but mayonnaise contributes an incredible richness, a subtle tang, and helps to create a wonderfully creamy and emulsified sauce. Don’t skip it!
• 3 TBSP Ketchup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and acidity that perfectly balances the savory elements of the stew, contributing to a well-rounded flavor profile and a lovely color.
• 2 tsp Paprika: A vital spice for its warm, slightly peppery flavor and beautiful reddish hue. Sweet paprika is commonly used, but smoked paprika can add an extra layer of rustic depth.
• 1 tsp Salt & 1/4 tsp Pepper: These fundamental seasonings enhance and bring out all the other flavors. Always adjust to your personal taste preferences at the end of cooking.
• 2 Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the stew with a subtle, herbaceous, and slightly woodsy aroma that complements the meat and potatoes beautifully. Remember to remove them before serving.
• 1 1/2 TBSP Dry Poultry Mix: This seasoning blend typically contains a medley of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. Its comforting, savory profile pairs surprisingly well with both pork (or beef) and potatoes, adding a familiar warmth to the dish.
• 1 tsp Montreal Chicken or Steak Seasoning: A robust and popular spice blend, often featuring garlic, onion, black pepper, and other savory spices. It provides a fantastic savory kick that elevates both the meat and the overall stew.
• 1/8 tsp Garlic Powder: A concentrated burst of garlic flavor that melts seamlessly into the stew, providing an underlying aromatic foundation.

Liquids for Braising & Creaminess:

• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Added towards the very end of the cooking process, the heavy cream makes the stew wonderfully rich, creamy, and luxurious, transforming the broth into a velvety sauce.
• 1/2 cup Water: This is the essential liquid required for your pressure cooker to effectively come to pressure and for the potatoes and meat to braise perfectly, ensuring everything cooks through and becomes tender.

Gathering these carefully selected ingredients is the exciting first step towards creating a memorable, hearty meal that your family will undoubtedly ask for again and again!

Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Stewed Potatoes in a Pressure Cooker

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your comforting potato stew. We’ve outlined specific instructions for both Power Cooker and Instant Pot users to ensure a smooth cooking process.

DIRECTIONS to make Potato Stew in POWER COOKER:

1. Brown the Meat: Begin by plugging in your Power Cooker and selecting the BROWN (or Sauté) button. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the inner pot and allow it to heat until shimmering. Once hot, carefully add your cut meat chunks (pork or beef) and sauté for 10 minutes. This browning step is crucial as it creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction, deepening the overall taste of your stew. Stir occasionally to ensure all sides of the meat get a nice sear.
2. Combine Remaining Ingredients: After 10 minutes of browning, press the “Cancel” button on your Power Cooker to turn off the browning function. Now, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients! Carefully stir in the quartered potatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaves, dry poultry mix, Montreal seasoning, garlic powder, and water. Mix everything thoroughly with a sturdy spoon to ensure the meat and potatoes are well coated with the rich seasonings and liquids.
3. Pressure Cook the Stew: Secure the lid on your Power Cooker, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place and the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Push the STEW button and continue clicking it until the cooking time displayed reaches 45 minutes. The unit will then begin the process of building up pressure.
4. Monitor Pressure Build-Up: As the pressure inside the cooker builds, you’ll hear some hissing and steaming. Soon, the lid will automatically lock into place for safety, and any moving digits or indicators on the side of your unit will stop moving, signifying that full cooking pressure has been reached. At this point, your set cooking time of 45 minutes will begin to count down.
5. Natural Release & Serve: Once the 45-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, the Power Cooker will typically beep and automatically switch to a “Keep Warm” setting. For optimal tenderness of the meat and to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy, it’s highly recommended to allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 10-15 minutes. This means letting the pressure release gradually on its own. To safely open the cooker after this, switch the pressure release button or valve to “Venting” and allow all the remaining steam to escape. Once the pressure has fully released and the float valve has dropped, the unit will unlock, and you may carefully open the lid. Finally, stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated, lending a luxurious, creamy finish to your stew. Your incredibly delicious, tender potato stew is now ready to serve and enjoy!

Directions to make Potato Stew Recipe in INSTANT POT:

1. Sauté the Meat: Plug in your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” button. For optimal browning and flavor development, you can often press the “Sauté” button twice to achieve a “High” heat setting. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the inner pot and let it heat. Add your meat chunks and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides. This crucial step creates a rich, deep flavor base for your stew.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients & Pressure Cook: After the sautéing is complete, press “Cancel” to turn off the Sauté function. Now, incorporate the remaining ingredients: the quartered potatoes, mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaves, dry poultry mix, Montreal seasoning, garlic powder, and water. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all components are well combined and coated. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly seated and the steam release handle is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Meat/Stew” button. If the default time isn’t 45 minutes, press the “Adjust” or “+”/”-” buttons to set the cooking time to 45 minutes.
3. Pressure Release & Finishing Touches: Once the 45-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, your Instant Pot will beep and then typically switch to the “Keep Warm” setting. For the most tender meat and to prevent the potatoes from becoming too mushy due to a sudden pressure drop, it’s highly recommended to allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 10-15 minutes. This means allowing the pressure to release gradually on its own. After this partial natural release, you can carefully turn the steam release handle to the “Venting” position to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, you can safely open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream until it is fully incorporated, making the stew rich and creamy. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful!

Tips for the Perfect Pressure Cooker Stewed Potatoes

To ensure your stewed potatoes turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Ensure all your potatoes are cut into roughly equal-sized chunks (quarters are ideal). This guarantees that they cook evenly and reach the same level of tenderness without some becoming overcooked while others remain firm.
• Never Skip Browning the Meat: This step is absolutely vital for building a rich and complex flavor base. The browning process (Maillard reaction) creates deep, savory notes that are indispensable for a truly delicious stew.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your stew after it has finished cooking and before you add the heavy cream. This is your chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. A pinch of fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley can also brighten the flavors just before serving.
• Utilize Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Allowing the pressure to release naturally (or at least partially) is key. It helps the meat remain incredibly moist and tender, and prevents the potatoes from breaking down too much or becoming mushy due to a sudden temperature and pressure drop.
• Prevent the “Burn” Notice: To avoid the dreaded “Burn” warning on your pressure cooker, ensure there’s at least 1/2 cup of liquid in the pot (which this recipe provides). After browning the meat, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot before adding other ingredients. This prevents scorching.
• Experiment with Potatoes: While Golden (Yukon Gold) potatoes are recommended for their texture, feel free to experiment with other waxy varieties like red potatoes, or even Russets if you prefer a softer, more rustic texture (though Russets might break down more easily).

Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Braised Potato and Meat Stew is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize and adapt to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Boost with More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other root vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Carrots, parsnips, or even some chopped celery and onions can be added at the same time as the potatoes. For a pop of color and sweetness, stir in some frozen peas or corn after the pressure cooking is complete.
• Enhance with Herbs: For an extra aromatic kick, consider adding fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, or a few sprigs of fresh parsley along with the bay leaves and other seasonings. Remove woody stems before serving.
• Add a Spicy Element: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other dry seasonings can provide a pleasant warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker, richer sauce, you can easily thicken it after the pressure cooking is complete and before adding the cream. Remove about 1/4 cup of the liquid, whisk it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour), then stir this slurry back into the stew. Turn on the “Sauté” function for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: This hearty stew is a complete and satisfying meal all on its own. However, it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up every last drop of the delicious, creamy sauce. A simple, fresh green salad or some tangy pickled vegetables can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this stewed potato and meat recipe is that the leftovers are often just as, if not more, delicious the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen! To store any leftover stew, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have several convenient options:

• Stovetop: Gently warm the stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
• Microwave: For individual servings, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pressure Cooker: You can also reheat the stew in your Instant Pot or Power Cooker using the “Sauté” (on low heat) or “Keep Warm” function. Add a small amount of liquid if necessary and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

This Power Cooker and Instant Pot Stewed Potatoes recipe is thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, incredible flavor, and convenience to your table with minimal fuss. Embrace the ease of modern cooking without sacrificing the rich, traditional taste of perfectly braised dishes. We genuinely hope this hearty and delicious stew becomes a beloved staple in your household, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every meal!

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Power Cooker Stewed Potatoes Recipe (Instant Pot-Friendly)

Servings: 6 -8

Author: Alyona’s Cooking

Instant Pot and Power Cooker owners, these Ukrainian Stewed Potatoes are A MUST TRY! Braised Potatoes can now be made in one cooking unit!

Ingredients

• 8 Golden Potatoes about 3 1/2 lbs, cut into quartered chunks
• 1 lb pork cut into chunks (or beef)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 3 TBSP Ketchup
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 TBSP Dry Poultry Mix
• 1 tsp Montreal chicken or steak seasoning
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

• DIRECTIONS FOR POWER COOKER:
• Select the BROWN button on your power cooker and sauté the meat in 2 TBSP of oil for 10 minutes. Cancel unit after 10 minutes and stir in the remaining ingredients. Push the STEW button and keep clicking it until it reaches 45 minutes. Cover cooker with lid and allow the pressure cooker to build up the heat.
• When the pressure builds up the lid will lock and the moving digits on the side should stop. Your set time will start counting down.
• After 45 minutes the unit will automatically keep it warm. To open cooker switch the release button and allow the steam to shoot up. Once it releases the pressure the unit will unlock and you may open the cooker.