Beef Stew and Baby Food Recipe

Having a large family, I like to find recipes that are easy to make, healthy, and easy to serve, especially on days when everyone is unable to eat at the same time due to work, sports, dance, and practices.

This recipe is one of our family's favorite, one dish meals. These are nice because everyone could take what they want before they go to a game or when they come home from work. I really like making meals like this on cool fall or winter days. I am going to give you the original recipe which we follow (mostly). I definitely double, sometimes triple, this depending on what we have in the house.

One of my time savings tips is that we do not peel the potatoes or carrots. The skins have more nutrients, fiber and it saves time. I use 2-4 pounds of carrots and 5 pounds of potatoes and that is a lot of peeling. I also use our food processor to chop the onions and garlic.

Beef Stew

When everyone was done eating I put all the leftovers in to my Cusinart food processor and blended it small enough to feed to my baby. She loves it!!!I put the baby food into the freezer in these Tupperware Freezer Mates, and then lable them.  I have had these for years and I use them all the time.

I use different sizes, and they all stack together nicely.

Here is the recipe for beef stew that I got from my Mom also a mother of a Dozen.

2 pounds of beef stew chuck: cut into bite size cubes.  Browned in a hot skillet (I use what ever beef I have, and is always bought on sale.)
2 medium onions: sautéed in 3 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic:  Minced or crushed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon salt: I usually add more to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 dash all spice or cloves
6 carrots: I will add whatever I have.
8 potatoes: I may add more or less depending on how big they are.
4 cups water: I use enough to cover the meat and vegetables.

Brown the beef, add the sautéed onions and garlic, then add the rest of the seasonings.
Cook for 2 hours on medium heat.
Add the carrot for the last 30 min.
Add the potatoes the last 20 min.
When the vegetables are tender, thicken with water and flour.
I add about 1/4 cup flour to a cup of cold water then mix onto the pot with everything else.

How does this compare to your beef stew?
Do you ever feed your baby  table food?

Parents of a Dozen