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Economical Recipe for Rich Beef Stew

This hearty meal can be on your family table in less than 25 minutes. Here is what you'll need:

- leftover steak (without any batter), or you can use raw steak

- chopped onion & chopped celery (about 1/4 cup each)

- 4 peeled large carrots cut into strips (or use baby carrots)

- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

- 3 beef bullion cubes

- 1/4 cup of cornstarch + 1/4 cup of cold water (Or you can use all-purpose flour, but be careful as it tends to lump. Also, you can use beef gravy mix if you prefer. If you opt for gravy mix, omit the been bullion cubes.)

- Optional ingredients: peas, dried parsley, salt & pepper

Cook beef with chopped onion and celery. Use cooking spray if sticking occurs. Next, while the meat is cooking, cook the carrots in your microwave. Be sure to drain before adding to the beef mixture. Cook the carrots until they are almost done - but not quite. I like to cook the carrots separately because the juice from the carrots isn't very tasty and impacts the flavor of the stew.

Next, add the drained carrots to the beef mixture, then add the raw potatoes. Add water until it covers the stew mixture for about 3 inches. Cook until potatoes are tender; add the beef bullion. Add drained peas, a dash of dried parsley and salt and pepper if desired. Finally, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the stew.

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