Hearty Beef Stew

"Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home,
For the heart can rest."
~Henry Van Dyke~

I usually buy a large roast that is on sale and cube the meat into stewing meat or stir-fry strips etc. and freeze them in portion sizes that I would use for one meal. You would be surprised as to how much money you are able to save if you do a little of the work your self. This stew has very simple ingredients with that, comes a good and flavorful homemade earthy goodness, better known as, "Good ol' comfort food". Start with a fresh salad, then serve the stew along with your favorite biscuit or bun and a nice fruit crisp for dessert and your family will be very happy!

• 2 lbs of cubed beef
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
  
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 carton of low sodium beef broth (or equivalent bouillon cubes and water about 4 cups)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs of fresh parsley
• 3 large carrots
• 1 1lb of sauteed mushrooms (didn't have any today but we like them)
• 3 potatoes cubed
• 1 cup each of frozen green peas and green beans
• 2 heaping tbsp of cornstarch or gravy maker
  

1. Brown the beef in the oil, add onions and garlic til onions are softened.
2. Add the beef broth, bay leaf and parsley. Cover and simmer until the meat is tender. Depending on the cut of meat it could be one hour to three hours.
3. Add carrots and potatoes, cook 20 more minutes.
4. Add the sauteed mushrooms, peas and beans.
5. Add the cornstarch or gravy maker dissolved in a little bit of water, and cook til thick and the raw taste of the cornstarch is gone, about 5 minutes.
6. Take off the heat and let stand for about ten minutes.
7. Now is a good time to start with that salad.