COLLEGE COOKING | VEGETABLE BEEF STEW

I think I am a pretty decent cook. The last time I burned something beyond recognition is when I was about 10 years old and I put a breakfast biscuit in the microwave for five minutes. I like to say I received the cooking gene from my great grandmother. She could make anything with the exception of green beans. So far I haven't found my kryptonite in the kitchen.

Over the weekend I decided to make a huge pot of beef stew. When I was at home last, my dad reminded me of this recipe. I haven't had it in forever and frankly had never even thought to make it. He gave me a few key ingredients and I left knowing I was going to make this soon!

The thing I hate the most about college is the food. If you live in the dorm, you are stuck with dining hall food. If you live in the house, you usually have a set menu for the entire week with a couple items appearing on the menu every week. In both cases and if you live off-campus, you are probably guilty (like me) of going to get take out too much. After a long day it is so much easier to go through a drive-thru, but not the most financially or health sound choice.

This recipe is so easy! All you need is a crockpot, which in my opinion, everyone should have anyway. They are lifesavers!

For the stew you can add in any of your favorite veggies and substitute with any meat that you prefer. I used:

1 pound of lean ground beef

1 package of baby carrots

2 russet potatoes

1 onion

1 can of corn

1 can of pinto beans

3 cans of tomato sauce

1 tsp of minced garlic

I browned the ground beef, drained it, and put in the crockpot. I poured the entire package of baby carrots on top (except for the 3 or 4 I ate). I cut the potatoes into cubes. I didn't bother peeling them, but if you prefer to you definitely can! I don't like the texture of onions so I cut mine into huge chunks before tossing it in the crockpot. Then I emptied the can of corn and beans without draining them. Next, was the 3 cans of tomato sauce. The garlic was an afterthought to give it a little more flavor. 

You can put this on in the morning before you leave, turn the crockpot on high, and it will be all ready when you get home! It doesn't get much easier than tossing ingredients in the crockpot. 

I like my stew with a batch of cornbread. I just used a box of Jiffy corn muffins. Some people prefer rice. Some people prefer the stew plain! It is completely up to you!!

Enjoy!!