Beef Stew

Beef stew…is there anything more satisfying on a cold day?  Well, maybe chicken ‘n dumplings.  You know what’s even better?  When you have a best friend to hang out with you while you cook and play with your kids.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. chuck roast cut into cubes
4 cloves garlic, minced
olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 package onion soup mix
3 cups sweet peppers, seeded and sliced
4 carrots, chopped
8 oz package sliced mushrooms
2 cups new potatoes, roughly chopped (I like the “potato medley” of purple, red and yukon potatoes.  Purple potatoes make me feel fancy)
26 oz. beef stock
1 cup red wine
handful fresh parsley, chopped

Preheat oven to 325.  Place beef and dry soup mix in a gallon size zip lock bag.  Mix well and set aside.

In a large stock pot heat oil.  Saute onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add meat to the pot and saute until browned, about 10 minutes.  Add sweet peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.   Add carrots, potatoes and mushrooms.  Add red wine and scrape up bits of meaty goodness.  Add beef stock and stir to combine.  Make sure there is enough liquid to cover everything.  Add water if nessesary.

Cover and transfer to the oven.  Cook for 45 minutes.  After 45 minutes, add parsley and stir to combine.  Cook or another 15 minutes.  Serve with crusty french bread.

Sooooooo satisfying!