Sometimes what is best for your well being is take steps to make tasks easier. Cooking dinner for your family may just be one of those tasks.

I had planned on making a beef stew tonight for dinner but when it came right down to it, I didn’t keep enough time in my day to make it completely from scratch. I didn’t get started on it soon enough to let it cook for hours in the slow cooker so instead I used a seasoning packet and a 1-hour and 45-minute cook time on the stove top.

By using a seasoning packet with the recipe on the back, I took the pressure off. I will have a yummy dinner on a chilly night without needing to find a recipe, search for seasonings and a trip to the store because for sure I don’t have the right spices. I reduced the stress of the day! I gave myself permission to have semi-homemade.

There is nothing wrong with taking this shortcut. Take a minute to consider your days this next week and if there are ways to make a semi-homemade meal instead of stressing or having unhealthy fast food.

Beef Stew Recipe

2 lbs of stew beef, cut into cubes
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 seasoning packet (I used McCormick)
3.5 cups of water
5-6 cups of chopped up veggies (potatoes, celery, carrots, mushrooms) Onions could go here but I don’t like them so I left them out! I also added  a 1/2 cup of frozen peas in the last 7-10 minutes of cooking.

Instructions:

  1. Coat chopped beef in flour.
  2. Heat oil in heavy bottom pan. Like a large pasta pan.
  3. Add meat to heated oil and brown on all sides
  4. Stir in seasoning packet and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat simmer for 45-50 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Chop all veggies. Add veggies to beef mixture and continue cooking for another 60 minutes.
  6. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. If you desire a thicker stew, add a few tablespoons of water to one tablespoon of flour, stir until smooth and add it to the stew, stirring constantly.  Cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Enjoy!  Here’s to your wellness and living a life you love!  ~Amy