My Mama's Beef Stew

Fall is here, and hearty and delicious soups and stews are the only thing on my mind. Growing up, my mom used to make us Stew every Fall and Winter, so I wanted to share this recipe since it is very near and dear to my heart. The chunks of meat, potatoes and carrots bring back childhood memories and amazing Fall flavors. The best part about this recipe is that you can make it your own. Sometimes I use the whole kitchen sink and other times I use what I have in the fridge. As long as you keep the base right, this stew will change your life.I hope you hungry unicorns enjoy this meal as much as I do! 

What You Need 

2-3 whole potatoes (any type you like)  

1 ½ cups of carrots cut in half  

4 stocks of celery chopped

1 package of pre-cut stew meat (you can use any beef you want) 

4 cups of broth (I used chicken broth) 

4 cloves of garlic

½ of a white or yellow onion

Enough flour to coat the meat (I used arrowroot flour, but any flour will do) 

1 package of Mccormick stew spice blend 

If you don’t want to use the spice blend use these spices: 

Salt, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, pepper, garlic powder, tomato paste 

Directions: 

 Start by heating a dutch oven on medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If you don’t have a dutch oven a regular pot will work. While the oil is heating chop both the onion and garlic and add it to the pot. While the onion and garlic are cooking add the flour and stew meat in a separate bowl and make sure the meat is coated evenly with the flour. Once the meat is coated add it to the pot with the onion and garlic. Cook the meat on all sides for about 8-10 min making sure to sear it on all sides.While the meat is cooking, chop the potatoes and veggies.

Once the meat is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Next, add the carrots, celery and potatoes to the pot. Let those cook for about 5 minutes. Add the Mccormick spice blend, or your own spice blend and mix it around the veggies. Once the seasoning is mixed through add the broth and stew meat back in. Stir around to make sure everything is brought together and put the lid on. Keep the temperature on medium heat and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes or until the meat is fork tender and you can stick a fork into the potatoes. 

Enjoy the stew topped with parmesan cheese and bread.

For an extra special treat, add my cheesy bread. 

Cheesy Bread: 

1 loaf of your favorite bread ( I used sourdough) 

Mayonnaise 

Cheddar cheese 

Set the oven to high broil. Cut the sourdough bread to your desired thickness. Spread a layer of mayo and add a layer of cheddar cheese on top. Add to a sheet pan and place under the broiler for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is nice and bubbly. Dip in soup and enjoy!