This morning as I looked at my planner, I knew that I needed a quick and easy supper plan. A day full of grocery shopping, gift wrapping, and last minute Christmas preparations leaves no time for a complicated evening meal.
I remembered this recipe, oven beef stew, which is a winter staple in our family. A dear church friend gave it to me on a handwritten recipe card for my church bridal shower, and we have loved it for twelve years now. It is rustic, hearty, and deliciously comforting.
While the kids were busy with some new toys from this weekend’s holiday get-together, I quickly chopped up a few vegetables. I threw everything into my dutch oven, added the unique ingredients of tomato juice and brown sugar, and into the oven it went. The smell of this stew simmering away in my oven all afternoon reminds me that supper is ready, and all the work is done.
With Christmas only two days away, I’m sure your day is so busy, too. Give yourself a break by sticking this lovely stew in the oven at your house.
- 1-2 pounds stew meat
- 2 C diced carrots
- 2 C diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 potatoes, pealed and chunked
- 2 C tomato juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 T minute tapioca (can substitute flour)
- 1 T brown sugar
- Put all ingredients in dutch oven with tight lid. Bake at 250 degrees for 5-51/2 hours without disturbing.
