Christmas Shopping Beef Stew

Serves 12-14

The excitement and joy in the air during the Holiday season makes me hungry… as does all of the fun shopping and lunching with my sisters, family, and friends!  We three sisters went shopping the day after Christmas for an all day marathon and wanted to have dinner ready when we arrived back home.  We just happened to have 5 pounds of lean beef from Costco, pre-cut into stew sized pieces.  Into the slow cooker that went, along with potatoes, onions, carrots, broth, seasonings and such.  Oh the delightfully yummy smell that greeted us when we arrived home just before dinner time brought smiles to our faces!  Here’s the recipe that we concocted… Enjoy in a bowl, over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes!  Note that this recipe makes enough to serve 12 to 14, depending on appetites!   It also freezes well if it doesn't all disappear on the first day! 

INGREDIENTS:

·         5 pounds lean stew beef

·         1 package Simply Potatoes steakhouse style diced & seasoned

·         1 package Matchstick carrots

·         1 to 2 large onion(s), chopped (or you can use 1 to 2 packages frozen chopped onions)

·         2 packages onion soup mix (can use a combination of beefy onion & onion if you wish)

·         3 cups beef broth (1 can plus 1 cup)*

·         1 can tomato soup, undiluted

·         2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained (we used one can garlic & olive oil and one plain)

·         1 to 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

·         Minced garlic to taste

·         Fresh ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

·         Spray slow cooker with cooking spray

·         Add remaining ingredients and give stir to combine

·         Cook on low 8 to 10 hours

*Add more broth if needed