If I write another cookbook, I think it will be called “Marie’s One Pot Meals.” That’s what my life has come to lately, what with a new baby on my hip and a toddler running around.
The New Baby Girl
The Toddler
Now I understand why my mother (who raised four kids) has always been such a fan of what she calls “one-pot meals.” It was by necessity. So naturally, I turned to her for guidance when I wanted to make her one-pot beef stew this winter.
She gave me instructions over the phone, and I took notes. Later I typed up a recipe and sent it to her for review. This is what it said:
Pretty simple, right? Well, leave it to my mother to find a way to make it more efficient! This was her response: “Do you really need to stir half-way through?” And she’s exactly right. Why make a recipe more difficult than it needs to be? Don’t.
Mama Hejl’s Beef Stew
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Heat the oil in a large Dutch Oven over medium heat.
Add the beef. Brown the beef in the hot oil. Remove pot from heat.
Add carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, red wine, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, and butter. Season everything with salt and pepper; toss to combine.
Bake in the oven at 275 degrees, covered, for 3.5 to 4 hours. (Don’t worry if the beef seems tough after 2-3 hours! As the beef continues to cook, it will soften, eventually becoming soft enough to cut with a spoon.)
Serve finished stew as is, or over buttered noodles. Goes perfectly with crusty bread and a big glass of dry red wine!
Your new baby is adorable! Congratulations!
Now…a few questions about the recipe. What cut of beef did you use? Any recommendations on wine? And…can I make this in a crock pot?
Sorry for all of the questions. I am glad to “see” you back online!
Hey Michelle!
Thank you! She is a doll!!
Cut of beef: I use the pre-cut “stew meat.” If you don’t see that at the grocery, I believe a boneless chuck roast would work (or ask your butcher to be sure!).
Recommendations on wine: If you like cabs, I have enjoyed 337 and The Rock lately. Both are less than $20. Also Coppola Claret is always a fave (approx. $15-20).
Crock pot: Yes!
Congrats on that new baby, Marie! We love you, your family, your recipes and your blog, so glad to see you back here with that beautiful new baby girl. Looking forward to trying your recipe for one-pot beef stew even though my two baby girls are grown up and college bound. Happy Holidays!
What a sweet note!! I can’t imagine my two babies leaving for college, but I know that day will come … too quickly, is what most people tell me. I hope you do get to try the stew. We made it again after Christmas while all three brothers were in town. Served it with buttered egg noodles and topped with grated Parmesan. It was wonderful. Please keep posting on your blog! So enjoyed the Christmas of ’65 post. xoxo
This is a must recipe for this weekend! And, your children are precious!
Hello Rosari! Thanks for the note and I hope you had a chance to try the stew! It is a family favorite at our house. My son Jack especially loves the mushrooms :)
Got your sweet thank you note! And, yes, we just made this recipe…easy…nutritious…a one-pot keeper! I always look forward to your tried and true recipes! Keep ’em coming!