Beef Stew

Beef Stew is a classic dish but can be prepared cheaply. This is my recipe for a rather hearty version.

Ingredients:
Beef, 1 pound cubed (can use inexpensive cuts)
Potatoes, 6 small-medium, cubed (can leave peels on or peel them)
Vegetables, 1 pound (carrots, onions, green pepper, peas, etc... almost any vegetable you want)
Black pepper
quick oats
water - 8 cups
4 beef bullion cubes
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cook the cubed beef and drain grease. Boil water; when water boils add in bullion cubes and oil. When bullion cubes have dissolved add in beef, potatoes and vegetables. Bring to low boil and boil for 2 hours. Add black pepper to taste and 1/2 cup quick oats (for thickening stew). Simmer until right before serving. This dish can easily be stored in tupperware overnight, taken to work as a lunch (if a microwave is available there) in a small tupperware container, etc...
Stir thoroughly after all additions to the stew.

Alternate options:
For a spicier stew you can add Tabasco, Cholula or other spicy liquid to taste.
add 1 cup of water and noodles of your choice for another variety.
substitute chicken for part or all of the beef for another variety.
For an additional depth to flavor grate medium or sharp cheddar cheese over each serving after portioning out.

makes 8 servings
Estimated cost: $5-$8 dollars depending on local pricing. Works out to approximately $0.65 - $1.00 per serving

Tom...