Balsamic Braised Beef

Ingredients:

• 800g (28oz) lean stewing beef, diced
• 1 onion, quartered and sliced
• 3 medium-sized carrots, cut into batons
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) good quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) beef stock
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• Pinch of dried thyme
• Pinch of dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca or arrowroot)
• Chopped fresh parsley to serve
• Cooking oil spray

Optional additions:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions:

Stove Top Method:

1. Brown beef: Spray a large casserole dish over medium-high heat with cooking oil spray. Add beef and brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Fry for a few minutes, adding a little water to deglaze pan if needed.
3. Combine ingredients: Add browned beef, mushrooms, mixed herbs, thyme, onion powder, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock.
4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until meat is tender.
5. Thicken sauce: Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir into the casserole until thickened.
6. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with your choice of sides.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method:

1. Brown beef: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown beef. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and fry until softened. Deglaze pan with a little water.
3. Combine ingredients: Add browned beef, mushrooms, mixed herbs, thyme, onion powder, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock.
4. Cook under pressure: Add lid, close valve, set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
5. Thicken sauce: Set Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Mix cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
6. Season and serve: Taste and season. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with your choice of sides.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Brown meat and vegetables: Brown meat and vegetables as instructed in Stove Top Method.
2. Combine ingredients: Add everything to the slow cooker (except beans and cornstarch).
3. Cook on low: Cook on low for 8 hours. Stir in beans and cornstarch for the last hour. Leave the lid slightly ajar to help the gravy thicken.
4. Season and serve: Taste and season. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with your choice of sides.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh rosemary.
• For a thicker sauce: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
• For a spicier kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your delicious Beef Stew!