Here’s a good hearty classic beef stew with rich beef gravy that lets all of the flavors come through. This is the perfect comfort dish for a blustery winter day. This stew is a basic combination of ingredients that most people have in their pantries.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 2-3 hours

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:
4 slices of bacon, chopped
Olive oil if needed
3 lbs. stew meat
4 large carrots, chopped
4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 C. potatoes, chopped
1 lb. mushrooms, sliced or quartered (optional)
1 can (6 oz. or so) tomato paste
1 T. garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. rosemary
1 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. paprika
8 C. low sodium beef stock
1 C. of peas
Salt and pepper to taste

What to do:
Cook your bacon in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat until crisp. Move bacon to a plate but make sure you keep your bacon grease. Brown the meat pieces in the bacon grease over medium high heat and fry until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to work in batches to avoid over crowding the pot. Remove meat, place with bacon and set aside.
Next cook your onions until translucent adding oil if needed. Add in your spices, herbs, garlic and vegetables except the peas. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, just to get them started. Next, add your bacon, stew meat, tomato paste, and broth, stir to combine. The broth should deglaze the pot so all those flavorful bits will be released. Yum! Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until vegetables and meat are fork tender. When ready to serve, stir in the peas and simmer uncovered until warmed through, for about 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Christina’s notes:
If you find that you want your stew thicker add equal amounts of water and flour (2 T of each) in a small bowl and mix until well combined, then add to stew, stir in well. You can add more if needed just remember its easier to add, then to take away. This will add a nice thickness to the stew. Garnish with parsley and serve with a nice slice of warm bread.