Beef Stew

It's snowing outside, the blinds and curtains are open, you have on your cozy and soft lounge wear with some ridiculously fluffy socks, your plush soft blanket is waiting for you to curl up on the couch, you feel the gentle breeze of warm air from the heater and your movie list is queued! Wait.... something is missing..... Oh, that's right, the aroma of beef stew simmering on the stove! You decide to whip up the stew because having a piping hot bowl of vegetables in a savory stew with beef that melts in your mouth is absolutely required on a cozy day like today! Luckily for you, you have saved this recipe and know that its a simple task for a meal that will warm your tummy and set you up for the perfect nap after. 

Lets check your pantry, fridge and freezer really quick and make sure you have everything! 

Now that you have all the ingredients, lets get started!

This dish can really come together quickly if you follow (or create something similar to) these steps in order. While this list might be long, the steps are all quick ones and you will end up with the most PERFECT bowl of stew!

1. Get all your ingredients, cooking utensils, skillet and large pan out.
2. Begin preheating your skillet (for the perfect sear, your pan MUST be pre-heated started on low and slowly work up to med-high heat).
3. While the pan pre-heats, grab your peeler and peel the carrots, then up the heat a little for the skillet pre-heat. 
4. Scrub and dry the potatoes, then up the heat a few more notches. Peel the potatoes and up the heat to med-high for the skillet.
5. Chop potatoes into roughly 1/2 inch cubes (or whatever size you prefer) If you prefer pieces bigger than 1/2 inch cubes, the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Make sure the potatoes are done and soft before serving.
6. On a separate cutting board with a clean knife, cube the roast into one inch pieces.
7. Add oil to the skillet and place beef pieces about 1 inch apart from each other to sear. Set timer for 2 minutes.
8. While the first sear is going, chop the carrots to desired size and put aside.
9. Rotate the beef to another side to sear and set another 2 minute timer.
10. Peel and chop onion into chunks, sized to your liking.
11. Rotate the beef to another side and sear, setting another 2 minute timer.
12. Peel and mince the garlic.
13. Rotate the beef to a different side and set timer for 2 minutes.
14. Pour broth in large pot and add all remaining ingredients.
15. Rotate the beef again and set that 2 minute timer.
16. Turn the heat on the large pot and work it up to a rolling boil.
17. Rotate the beef again, you should be close to having seared all sides. While you finish getting all the sides seared, you can work on clean up.
18. Once each piece is seared, add the beef to the pot, turn heat down to a slow simmer, cover, go get cozy on the couch start your shows, enjoy the warm and comforting aroma and let stew simmer 60-90 minutes or until the veggies are tender and the beef is cooked through. This is when you can thicken the stew, if desired, with the cornstarch slurry.
19. Serve and enjoy cuddled in your blanket watching the snow fall.

This can also be made in the Crock-Pot and Instant Pot. 

Crock Pot:

• Follow above steps omitting step 16 and replacing the large pot with crockpot. The cook time is 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 on high. ** cooking on low will allow the proteins in the beef to slowly break down, which will give you the MOST TENDER beef. This is the recommended setting.**. Cooking on high will still be incredibly delish, and a hug to the taste buds, the meat may not be as tender as you would prefer. Whether you cook the stew on low or high, the flavor will not be compromised and you will always end up with an incredible meal! Thicken if desired.

Instant Pot:

• Searing will be done in skillet, everything else will be done in the instant pot. 
• Use sauté mode for the onions and garlic.
• Add one cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pot, then add remaining broth and veggies. 
• Make sure that you don't exceed the amount of liquids that your Instant Pot is made for. You can always add more broth after its done cooking. Cooking with out all the liquid will not have any negative effects.
• Instead of a rolling boil, you will add the meat, secure lid properly, make sure pressure valve is in the sealing position, press stew button or manually set the time to 35 minutes.
• It will take some time to get to the right pressure to begin cooking, this is normal with soups and stews.
• When the timer goes off, do a natural release for 10 minutes, then (being cautious of hot steam) carefully adjust pressure knob to venting. I use a wooden spoon instead of my hand to release the pressure valve. Do what ever feels safest for you.
• Thicken stew if desired.