Stew...for you! (And you and you and you!)

As I mentioned before, I got my BFF Kurt an Instant Pot for Christmas, and he's taken to it like a duck to water. He recently sent me his favorite stew recipe from his favorite classic cookbook that he adapted himself for the IP. Of course, I can't leave well enough alone, so I fiddled with the recipe to suit my tastes, and here's what I came up with. DELISH!

Instant Pot Crazy K Ranch Beef Stew
(Source: adapted from Kurt Proctor and Heritage of America Cookbook)

2 lbs stew meat, cut into 1” cubes (I used sirloin)
seasoned salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 oz hot strong coffee
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 large bay leaf
4 medium potatoes, cut in large dice
3 large carrots, scrubbed and cut in large dice
3 large stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/3 cup cold water
3 tablespoons corn starch
salt, to taste

Heat large skillet over medium high flame. Add oil and coat bottom of the pan. Season the meat. Brown the meat on all sides in the hot pan, but do not cook the meat through.

When browned, put the meat and the drippings no browned bits into the IP and add the coffee, molasses, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, black and red pepper, and bay leaf. Cover and set to the Meat setting which defaults to 35 minutes.

When the time has elapsed, do a quick release, and then remove the lid. Add the vegetables and beef broth and stir. Replace the lid and set to Manual/high pressure and adjust time to four minutes.

When time has elapsed, do a quick release and remove the lid. Set the IP to Saute mode. Whisk together the cold water and corn starch. Add to the simmering stew and cook until thickened, about three to five minutes, stirring frequently. Correct seasoning if necessary.

Kurt says: "Serve on a freshly baked biscuit, or with the biscuit on the side. Prepare yourself for the oncoming adoration!"