HAMBURGER STEW

              

I think you will enjoy this “chili-like” stew.  It is very different from the chili I normally make so I had fun with it.  It is healthy and delicious for a snowy day and is great served with homemade cornbread (I posted my cornbread recipe last week).  Top each serving with sharp cheese and/or sour cream.                           Have fun as you make delicious meals for your family this week!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Lean ground beef

1 medium sweet onion (peeled and coarsely chopped)

4 large stalks of celery (cleaned and coarsely chopped)

2 cups of tomato sauce

4 cups of beef broth

1 medium can of tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes)

1 can of chick peas (drained) –more if you wish

1 can of black beans (drained)—more if you wish

1 and ½ cups frozen corn (I used peaches and cream variety)

½ cup hot, pickled banana pepper rings, chopped

½ cup hot, pickled banana pepper  juice (or more if desired)

1 T. chili powder

1 t. paprika

½ t. cumin

1 T. cocoa

1 pouch of Ready Crisp bacon (fully cooked bacon pieces)—or 1 cup of chopped cooked bacon.

*Add extra beef broth or water if needed to loosen up mixture as it cooks.

Instructions:

*Brown ground beef with onions and celery.  Drain and rinse.

*Place tomato sauce and beef broth in large soup pot.

*Add beef mixture and all other ingredients.

*Bring stew to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.

*Simmer for 15 -20 minutes and add salt and pepper to taste.

*Simmer an additional 10 minutes and then serve.