Hearty One Pot Beef Stew

Like a soup but a lot heartier, a bowl of my one pot beef stew can be comforting, filling and healthy. Beef is an excellent source of vitamin B2, B6 and B12. Also it is high in protein, niacin, selenium, zinc, iron, potassium and phosphorus.

Ingredients

• 1kg beef of good quality chuck casserole steak, cut into chunks (fat trimmed)
• 2 pieces of rindless bacon (optional) 
• 1 brown onion, chopped
• 2 gloves garlic, chopped 
• 1 chilli, chopped (optional) 
• 1 tin whole tomatoes 
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 
• 120g button mushrooms, halved 
• 5-6 mini carrots, halved 
• 2-3 potatoes, peeled and quartered 
• 1/2 cup peas 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine 
• 4 cups water 
• Sprig of thyme 
• 1 bay leaf 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serves: 6–8

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, chilli, and bacon; cook for 5 minutes or until onion softens.
3. Add beef and garlic; cook for another 5 minutes until meat changes colour.
4. Pour in red wine and add thyme; cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, and water. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Add peas and mushrooms; cook for another hour or until the beef is tender and sauce thickens.
8. Serve warm on its own or with rice.