I'm not a huge fan of beef stew. To me, there is no meal more vanilla than that. However, who can pass up the incredible value of stew meat? Stew meat is a great way to eat red meat without breaking the bank. This recipe reinvents stew meat and basic pantry staples to present them in a new way. Make the sauce a day ahead to cut down prep time. Cheap, easy, healthy, and delicious. What could be better?
Ingredients for Sauce:
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Cooking spray
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1 cup chopped onion
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½ tsp crushed red pepper
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1.5 tsp bottled minced garlic
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1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained
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½ cup water
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6 Tbsp brown sugar
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar
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1 Tbsp tomato paste
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salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Stew Meat:
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1-2 tsp olive oil
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2 pounds stew meat
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3 tsp worcestershire sauce
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1 Tbsp paprika
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2 tsp bottled minced garlic
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp dry mustard
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¾ tsp crushed red pepper
Directions:
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To prepare sauce, heat a large saucepan (3 quart or more) over medium high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Place tomatoes in food processor or blender and puree. Add pureed tomatoes, water, brown sugar, vinegar, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer (uncovered) for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in salt and black pepper, to taste.
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To prepare meat, heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Add to hot pan, and cook 4 minutes, or until browned. Add in sauce. Reduce heat to medium low and cover; simmer 80-90 minutes, or until tender. Serves 8.
Cooking on a budget doesn't have to mean cooking boring meals. Use foods most people already find in their pantry in different combinations to experience pantry staples in a new way!
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