Perfect Winter Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Italian dressing
• 2 lb. beef for stew
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 cups sliced carrots
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into large chunks
• 1 can stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can beef broth

Directions:

Trim excess fat from meat and cut into even 1 inch chunks using a sharp knife. Place dressing and beef in large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate 30 minutes to marinate.

Cook bacon in large pot on medium 5 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from pot using slotted spoon. Drain excess bacon fat carefully into a tin can, rather than pouring down sink. Place can in fridge until fat has solidified before discarding.

Add onion and mushrooms to pot; cook on medium-high 10 minutes or until softened. Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade. Add beef, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes with their liquid, broth and bacon to pot. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour 15 minutes. Uncover; continue to simmer 15 minutes or until meat is tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

By Robin from Washington, IA