Beef Stew with a side of Compliments

Want a killer meal that's easy to make and comes with lots and lots of compliments?

It has started to snow again here in the big O.  Can't figure it out.  It's March!  Stop snowing already for goodness' sake!

Two weeks ago I invited all of the Children's Ministry volunteers to a meal in their honor.  The whole point was to just get together and enjoy each others' company.  I made a homemade meal... an easy meal.  A PW meal and have NEVER received so many compliments on anything I've ever made.

The menu: Beef Stew w/ Beer and Paprika, Chile Corn Chowder, Corn Bread, Rolls, and Texas Sheet Cake.

I had seen the recipe for the stew on PW a few weeks back and made it at home.  Even my non-soup loving husband enjoyed the stew.  You should make it.  You'll get compliments too.  It'll be good for your self-esteem.  Trust me, I know.


Beef Stew w/ Beer and Paprika

• 3T EVOO
• 1T butter
• 2# stew meat (I have only used 1 1/2 #)
• 1 whole md onion
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1- 12oz can of beer (don't buy light beer- it doesn't have the same flavor.  Look for plain 'ol Bud or Coors or something of that nature)
• 4 c. beef stock
• 2 c. water
• 1T Worcestershire Sauce
• 2T tomato paste
• 1/2t paprika
• 1/2t salt
• black pepper
• 1 1/2t sugar
• 4 whole carrots, washed, unpeeled, roughly chopped
• 4 red potatoes, washed, unpeeled, roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet (I use a Dutch oven) over medium heat.  Brown meat in two batches.  Cut pieces in half and set aside.
2. Add diced onions to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Then add in the garlic.  Cook down until the onion is translucent.  
3. Pour in beer and beef stock.  Then add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and paprika.  Stir all together.  Add beef back to the pot and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. Add carrots and potatoes.  Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.  Taste to adjust seasonings.
5. Scoop into the biggest bowl you have and eat it with a big fat spoon. (OK PW didn't actually say that part... I did, but it's Just. So. Good.

Moral of the Story:  Make this.  You can thank me later for the good idea.