Comfort Food

 

The weather in Florida is crazy.  My mom used to always say, “If you don’t like the weather here wait five minutes, it’ll change.” 

How true that is.  This afternoon we reached a high of 80 and tomorrow morning we are supposed to be in the 40s.  BRRRRRRR!

My Wisconsonite husband laughs at me when I call this weather “cold”  but in honor of our first cold snap, I would love to share my very favorite in the whole world Beef Stew recipe.  It will warm you to your core.

This recipe comes from my mom and was originally for Beef Brisket prepared in the Crock Pot.  I just love the taste of the “gravy” portion of it that I turned it into a quick weeknight Beef Stew.  It makes the whole house smell like a big hug and is the best comfort food I can think of, perfect for “cold” weather.

Beef Stew

Print this recipe!

1 pkg. of stew meat

2 1/2 C of carrots (about 4-5 carrots) - cut

1 large onion

1 pkg. fresh mushrooms

2 stalks celery (optional)

1 C wine (red or white - whatever you have on hand)

1 can 98% fat free Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 packet dried onion soup mix

2 T brown sugar

3 T balsamic vinegar

3 T yellow mustard

 

Directions:

1.  Preheat a dutch oven over medium heat on the stove top.  Season and brown the stew meat with s&p with a little bit of olive oil.  Once the meat is browned, take out and let rest in a bowl while preparing the other components. 

2.  Add the onion and mushrooms (and celery if preferred) to the same pot and sauté until golden brown.  If needed, add a bit more oil.  About 10 minutes.

3.  While the veggies are cooking, assemble the gravy.  In a large bowl, add the wine, cream of mushroom soup, dried onion soup mix, brown sugar, bals vin and mustard.  Whisk to combine.

4.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

5.  Add the carrots into the onions and mushroom mixture and sauté for about 3 minutes. 

6.  Add in the meat and gravy and stir to combine.

7.  Cover dutch oven with the lid and place in the oven.  Cook for approximately 1 hr – 1hr 10 min., stirring once or twice. 

8.The gravy will thicken upon cooking.  Depending on what kind of gravy consistency you like, you can add a bit of broth (chicken or beef) or even a bit more wine once out of the oven to make a thinner consistency.

9.  Serve with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, stuffing or noodles.

Hooded Sweatshirt and Beef Stew – it doesn’t get much more comforting than that!  Enjoy!