Now that colder weather is coming, you will want to make foods that warm you up and are heartier. This wonderful stew will do just that for you. It is thick and filling and just wonderful. If you want it to be more like a soup, just add more liquid. This
1 T. oil
1 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped mixed sweet and hot peppers
1/2 c. celery
1 T. minced garlic
1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef
2 T. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 c. beef stock
3- 11.5 oz. cans original or spicy V-8, or tomato juice
1-14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 c. fresh diced carrots
2 c. corn, drained if canned
2 c. cut green beans, drained if canned
dash Worcestershire sauce
several dashes hot sauce
1/4 t. Cajun seasoning, optional
1 t. kosher salt
1/4 t. freshly cracked black pepper
In a Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion, peppers and celery, cook and stir until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef, cook and stir until meat is browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
Sprinkle ground beef with flour, cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add beef stock, V-8 juice and diced tomatoes. Stir in potatoes, carrots, corn and green beans. Add Worcestershire, hot sauce and seasonings to taste. Stir, cover and simmer over medium to medium low for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until veggies are tender, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve as is, or spoon over rice or mashed potatoes. Serve with hot cornbread, biscuits or rolls.