Basic (no Tomato) Beef Stew

Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2-2 lbs lean stewing beef (cubed round or your preferred cut)
• 2 -3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 3 1/2 cups beef broth (or 3 cups beef broth plus 1/2 cup dry red wine)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 2 1/4 cups peeled cubed potatoes
• 2 cups carrots, sliced thickly
• 1 cup sliced celery (optional)
• 2 cups sliced green beans (or 1 1/2 cups peas)
• salt and pepper

Recipe

• 1 place flour in a plastic bag, add a few pieces of beef at a time shaking well to coat.
• 2 heat oil in a dutch oven or large sauce pan.
• 3 add meat and onions, brown meat well.
• 4 add beef broth (and wine if using), garlic, basil and thyme.
• 5 bring all to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/4- 1 1/2 hours (or until meat is tender).
• 6 add potatoes, carrots and celery, cover pot, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes (or until potatoes are almost done).
• 7 add green beans (or peas) and simmer 10-15 minutes more.
• 8 add salt and pepper to taste.