Instant Pot Beef Cheek Ragu. How to make the most tender beef cheek ragu using your pressure cooker. Made with red wine and an easy homemade ragu sauce you will love this bowl of deliciousness.
Even better, it’s so much faster to make in an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot or another brand. The beef cheeks cook at the same time as the ragu sauce.
When I think of beef cheeks ragu, I feel like I’m back in France, eating a bowl of delicious ragu while it rains.
When I go to France, I always get caught in big storms that make me look like I was in the worst storm of the year.
I remember that we were in Lyon, France, at that time, and it rained nonstop all morning.
On our way into town, Sofia and I took a detour to a cupcake shop. We ate cupcakes in the shelter before finding a nice place to eat lunch.
That’s when we went to this café. It was nicely covered to keep us dry, but we looked terrible because it was raining.
I ordered a simple beef ragu and it was the most amazing ragu I had ever eaten.
I thought about how great this beef cheeks ragu would be if we cooked it in the Instant Pot pressure cooker as I ate it.
That summer (2018), we only used the instant pot to cook, and I had another great meal in France that made me think I needed to convert my pressure cooker.
So today, is that day. If I show you how to make a French beef cheek ragu in an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker,
With just a few simple steps, you can use your pressure cooker to transform tough beef cheeks into fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth tender meat perfection. This cut of beef is packed with flavor that only gets better after low and slow braising. By cooking beef cheeks in a pressure cooker, you can achieve fork-tender results in a fraction of the time.
This easy beef cheek recipe guides you through choosing the best cheeks and layering on flavors with spices, wine and aromatics. Then let the pressure cooker work its magic for richly savory, ultra-tender beef cheeks ready to be served in a variety of ways Keep reading for my best tips and step-by-step method for cooking beef cheeks in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
About Beef Cheeks
Beef cheeks come from the cheek muscles of a cow. This is a flavorful but tough cut that contains connective tissue. When cooked low and slow, that tissue melts into tender gelatin leading to an incredibly rich, hearty texture.
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Look for large meaty pieces around 12 ounces each.
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Opt for cheeks with some marbling but minimal hard outer fat to trim.
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Plan on around 1 pound per person. Cheeks shrink as the fat renders out.
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Have the butcher trim any excess gristle and sinew for easier prep.
Season Well for Flavor
Creating big, bold flavor is important when braising beef cheeks.
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Generously coat both sides of cheeks with salt, pepper and spices of choice.
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For bolder flavor, use a dry rub blend, steak seasoning or taco seasoning.
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Massage seasonings into the meat to help them penetrate deep into the tissue.
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Let sit for at least an hour before pressure cooking, preferably overnight.
Braising Liquid Adds Moisture and Flavor
The braising liquid provides key moisture for tender pressure cooked beef cheeks.
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Aromatics like onion, garlic, carrots, celery and herbs infuse flavor.
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Red wine contributes acidity and richness. Use a dry to medium bodied wine.
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Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes lend tangy sweetness and color.
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Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar also enhance savoriness.
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For liquid, use beef or chicken broth, tomato juice or water.
Step-By-Step Method for Pressure Cooked Beef Cheeks
Follow these simple steps for irresistible pressure cooked beef cheeks every time.
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Heat oil in pressure cooker pot set to browning function. Quickly brown seasoned cheeks.
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Add aromatics and liquid to pot. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to bottom.
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Lock lid and cook at high pressure for 40-50 minutes until fall-apart tender.
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Use natural release to safely depressurize. This allows cheeks to cook in residual heat.
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Check for tenderness. Meat should shred easily using two forks.
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Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or hot sauce.
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Stir in flour slurry to thicken braising sauce if desired.
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Garnish beef cheeks before serving to highlight flavors.
Serving Pressure Cooked Beef Cheeks
These serving suggestions help beef cheeks shine as the star of the plate.
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Ladle cheek meat and sauce over mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice.
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Mix shredded cheek into tomato sauce for pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle.
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Stuff into tortillas with salsa and fixings for tasty tacos.
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Make a pie with peas, carrots and gravy in a flaky crust.
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Spoon into baked potatoes and top with cheese, bacon and green onions.
However you choose to serve them, braised beef cheeks cooked in the pressure cooker will impress as a rich, memorable meal.
Pressure Cooker Beef Cheeks FAQ
Get answers to common questions about achieving fork-tender beef cheeks using a pressure cooker.
What cut of beef cheeks work best in a pressure cooker?
- Look for large, thick cheek pieces with fat and connective tissue for best results.
How long should you pressure cook beef cheeks?
- Cook for 40-50 minutes at high pressure until very tender and shreddable.
Can you pressure cook beef cheeks from frozen?
- Always thaw cheeks fully before pressure cooking for even cooking results.
Should you brown beef cheeks first?
- Browning adds flavor. Quickly sear seasoned cheeks before pressure cooking.
Is it necessary to use a natural pressure release?
- Natural release lets cheeks cook gently in residual heat for super tender meat.
What liquid is best for braising beef cheeks?
- Use broth, wine, tomatoes or a mix. Water works too but adds no flavor.
How do you thicken braising liquid for beef cheeks?
- Stir a flour slurry into the sauce after pressure cooking to thicken.
What sides go well with braised beef cheeks?
- Potatoes, rice, pasta and vegetables complement the rich beefy cheeks.
Can you freeze leftover pressure cooked beef cheeks?
- Freeze portions in broth in airtight containers for up to 4 months.
With the shortcut of the pressure cooker, beef cheeks transform from tough to tender in no time. Adjust the seasoning or mix up the serving styles to suit your tastes. Just be prepared for these ultra-rich beefy bites to disappear quickly!
Instant Pot Beef Cheeks Step-By-Step Recipe and Instructions
Follow this simple recipe for melty tender Instant Pot beef cheeks braised in a savory sauce infused with red wine, tomatoes and aromatics.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef cheeks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1⁄2 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Cut beef cheeks into 2-inch pieces and season all over with salt and pepper. Set aside.
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Select Browning/Sauté setting on Instant Pot and heat oil. Add onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Sauté 3 minutes.
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Add beef cheeks and cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in wine and deglaze pot, scraping any browned bits off bottom.
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Stir in broth, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme and pepper. Cancel browning function.
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Secure lid and set valve to Sealing. Select High Pressure and set cook time to 45 minutes.
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When done, use Natural Release to safely depressurize. This takes 15-20 minutes.
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Remove lid. Beef cheeks should be fall-apart tender. Taste and add salt as needed.
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For thicker sauce, stir in a flour slurry while stew is hot.
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Garnish beef cheeks with chopped parsley before serving.
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Enjoy beef cheeks over mashed potatoes, shredded over pasta, stuffed in tacos or in a pot pie. Leftovers freeze well.
For an extra boost of flavor, let beef cheeks marinate 8 hours or overnight in the seasoning before pressure cooking. Cook time remains the same.
Time Saving Tips
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Chop vegetables and prep ingredients ahead of time.
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Quickly sear seasoned beef cheeks while Instant Pot preheats.
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Use pre-diced mirepoix mix of onion, celery and carrot.
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Make mashed potatoes or prepare any side dishes while cheeks cook.
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Have garnishes like parsley chopped and ready to add fresh flavor.
With the press of a button, the Instant Pot delivers fork-tender braised beef cheeks full of rich, savory flavor. Their versatility makes them perfect for everything from casual family meals to impressive dinners. Just be prepared for these irresistible beefy bites to disappear fast!
Pressure Cooker Beef Cheeks for Beginners
New to cooking beef cheeks or using a pressure cooker? Here’s a quick beginner’s guide to getting started.
Pick the Best Cheeks
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Choose large, thick cheek pieces around 8-12 ounces each.
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Opt for those with marbling but minimal outer fat cap to trim.
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Plan on 3⁄4 to 1 pound per serving. Cheeks shrink up as they cook.
Season Liberally
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Rub cheeks all over with salt, pepper and spice blends if desired.
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Let sit overnight in fridge for maximum flavor penetration.
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Quick alternative: season just before searing if short on time.
Build Bold Braising Liquid
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Sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, celery and carrot first.
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Deglaze with wine to get up browned bits. Red wine adds richness.
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Use broth, tomatoes or water for braising liquid.
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Add herbs, Worcestershire or balsamic for extra depth.
Set the Pressure Cooker
Where Can I Get Beef Cheeks?
Because I lived in Portugal the last time I made beef cheek ragu (reminder: I need to make them again!), I didn’t have many butchers or beef to choose from.
What I did, was put in an order with the butchers at my local English supermarket. They then called me when it was ready, and I picked it up a week later.
Call your butcher and ask for beef cheeks. They will cut them up for you so you can cook them in the pressure cooker.
You don’t have to do much to get these beef cheeks ready to cook. They are nice and easy to make.
Like you would with most beef, I suggest putting them on a cutting board and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
I would also recommend searing them first in the instant pot before doing a pressure cook. This will help with the depth of flavour.
Then they are ready to start adding other things to the beef cheeks and putting them under pressure.
Would you like it simple? Then, we’ll send you the BEST Instant Pot recipes for beginners right to your email, along with other helpful Instant Pot pages.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Beef Cheeks?
When you cook beef cheeks in pressure cooker it really speeds up the recipe. Instead of 8 hours on slow it is just 75 minutes under pressure.
Plus, a 15 minute natural pressure release before releasing pressure.
Beef Cheeks Recipe in the Pressure Cooker
FAQ
How long does it take for beef to get tender in pressure cooker?
How long do you cook 2 lb of meat in a pressure cooker?
Do you cut up beef cheeks before cooking?
How do you cook beef cheeks in a pressure cooker?
Set your instant pot or pressure cooker to saute, add the olive oil, and allow both to warm before adding your chunked, cubed beef cheeks. Add the beef cheeks once the pot has warmed, then cover with seasoning: salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and ground cloves. Stir to coat the meat with seasoning.
How do you cook beef in a pressure cooker?
Set your pressure cooker to the Saute setting on Normal. Add olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. Stir a few times. Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids Add diced beef cheeks, herbs, seasonings, and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring a couple of times.
How do you cook beef cheeks in a crock pot?
Add olive oil, onions, carrots and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. Stir a few times. Add meat & bits: Add diced beef cheeks, herbs, seasonings and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Pour in the wine and stir, then follow by ⅔ cup of water (or beef stock if using).
How to cook beef cheeks in Instant Pot?
Cut the beef cheeks into 2-inch pieces and remove any thick layer of fat (no need to remove all of it as that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from and it will all render/melt during cooking). Step 2. Set the Instant Pot to Saute setting on Normal. Add olive oil, onions, carrots and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly.