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Homemade Beef Stew-Cold Weather Comfort Food
Just finished turning off the slow cooker and tonight’s dinner was an amazingly healthy homemade beef stew that will stick to your ribs. This type of meal not only fills the tummy but helps to keep the colds away. It can also be made in a large 6-8 quart stockpot.
Servings Prep Time
4people 20minutes
Cook Time
1hour
Servings Prep Time
4people 20minutes
Cook Time
1hour
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Choose a package of stew beef that will suit your family. A 3-5 lb. package should be fine. Trim fat from meat, cut into 1 inch pieces and set aside. Place chopped onions and garlic in stockpot or saucepan. Add a little olive or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Cook garlic and onions over low heat until transparent. Do not burn them. Remove onions and garlic from pan. Set aside in a bowl. You will add them to the stockpot in a few minutes. Add the cut up stew beef and sear over high heat. Turn the heat down to medium once the meat has browned. Add in the salt and pepper and bay leaves. Add enough water to fill the pot 3/4’s full. Add approximately 1 cup pearl barley and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Add in all .the vegetables, including the quartered potatoes. Continue cooking over low heat for 20 minutes. When meat and potatoes and vegetables are tender, mix Bisto in a small bowl with cold water. Use a fork to break up any lumps. Add this to the stockpot and mix in well. Turn up the heat and stir for about 5 minutes Turn down the heat and continue simmering until the juice/gravy is thick. Turn off the heat and spoon the beef stew into individual bowls. Serve with bread.
Recipe Notes

You can also substitute the meat with your own choice, such as cut up chicken, turkey, other cuts of beef or pork. Prepare the stew in the same way, substituting the vegetables with other vegetables that you prefer.

This homemade beef stew recipe is very economical as it can be eaten two days in a row and if any is left over, you can also freeze it.