Perfect Winter Beef Stew

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-20-2008, 08:11 PM

Recipe Description

It is the best beef stew I have ever had. It's way better than what my mom and dad used to make, and marinating the meat overnight makes the meat just fall right apart as it gets closer to being done. This dish is perfect with some buttered bread and a salad.

For the tomatoes, you can use homecanned tomatoes. I use the Aylmer's Petite-Cut tomatoes and they're delicious. I also use fresh mushrooms. You can use canned mushrooms but I don't imagine they have the same taste to them.

(My FIL tried this stew once when he was staying with us and he couldn't stop eating it. It was that good.

)

Oh, and I also use worchestire sauce in my marinating of the beef cubes. I use roughly 1/4 cup of worchestire sauce to the 3/4 cup of italian dressing.

Preparation Steps:

Chop the bacon, onions and potatoes.

Peel and slice the carrots into coin-shaped pieces.

Cut up the stewing beef to the right size.

Slice the mushrooms, if using fresh. If using canned, measure out 3 cups worth.

Measure the italian dressing.

Level of Difficulty:

Medium

Time Needed:

15 min prep time, 2hr 15min total time, 30 min for marinating the meat (can marinate in fridge overnight)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Italian Dressing
2 lb. (1 kg) stewing beef, cut into 1-inch chunks
6 slices bacon, chopped
3 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped onions (about 1 large)
3 cups sliced carrots (about 6 medium)
1-1/2 lb. (750 g) potatoes, peeled, cut into large chunks (about 4 cups)
1 can (19 fl oz/540 mL) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10 fl oz/284 mL) beef broth

Serves:

Makes 2 bowls per person for four people in one meal, can make two meals

Directions:

POUR dressing over meat in large resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; turn to evenly coat meat with dressing. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large saucepan on medium heat 5 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from saucepan; drain.

ADD mushrooms and onions to same saucepan; cook on medium-high heat 10 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Add meat, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, broth and bacon to saucepan; stir.

BRING to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour 15 min. Uncover; simmer an additional 15 min. or until meat is cooked through and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.