Beef Stew

The discount store I shop at carries Angus beef only. It's top-quality meat and shoppers pay for this quality. I bought a boneless roast beef and it cost . Though the price is shocking, I was able to get four meals (there are four in our family) from this roast.

I don't know if the beef is certified Angus, but it may be. According to the Certified Angus Beef website, this beef is better quality than USDA Prime. Angus beef has more marbling (lines of fat) than other beef and this keeps it moist.

Beef Stew

A standing rib roast is the most expensive. Boneless roasts are also available. Before I roast the meat, I season it with low sodium salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. To sear the outside of the roast, I cook it at 425 degrees for 25 minutes and then lower the heat to 350. After it comes out of the oven, I cover the meat with aluminum foil and let it rest before my husband carves it. Four delicious meals came from this roast.

1. Our first meal was Christmas dinner. It was a traditional British dinner of sliced roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, green beans, salad, and store-bought chocolate cake. I froze the remaining beef and gravy.

2. French dip sandwiches were our second meal. I make the dip with beef bullion and two tablespoons of leftover gravy for flavor. Buttering and toasting the rolls beforehand is the secret to this famous sandwich. When I'm short of meat, I add a slice of Romano of Cheddar cheese.

3. Roast beef salads came next. They're a meal on a plate: lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg), cooked green beans, cooked sliced potatoes, and strips of cooked beef. I drizzle the salads with homemade dressing or bottled Italian dressing with Romano cheese.

4. Our fourth meal was Roast Beef and Mushroom Oven Stew. Easy to make, this is an ideal recipe for a chilly winter night. You can make it too.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked roast beef, cut into one-inch cubes

8-ounce box of sliced mushrooms

6 green onions (white and green parts), chopped

1 cup petite carrots

6 Klondike red potatoes, thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 one-ounce envelopes Herb Gravy Mix for Beef

2 cups cold water

Method

Cut off any extra fat before cubing the beef. In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, mushrooms, green onions, carrots, potatoes and seasoning. Make gravy mix according to package directions. Pour over stew mixture and toss gently. Transfer stew mixture to a large, buttered casserole and cover. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Ladle into stew bowls and serve with crusty bread and a green salad. Makes 4-6 servings.

So you see, buying an expensive roast beef may be a smart move. It makes four or more meals and cuts down on grocery shopping, which saves gas. Every so often, it's nice to indulge yourself and at my house, that indulgence is roast beef.

Copyright 2011 by Harriet Hodgson

Four Meals From One Roast, Including Roast Beef and Mushroom Oven Stew

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 30+ years. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD is available from Amazon. Centering Corporation published her 26th book, "Writing to Recover: The Journey from Loss and Grief to a New Life" and a companion journal with 100 writing prompts. The company has also published her latest book, "The Spiritual Woman: Quotes to Refresh and Sustain Your Soul."

Hodgson has another new book out, "101 Affirmations to Ease Your Grief Journey: Words of Comfort, Words of Hope," also available from Amazon. Please visit her website and learn more about this busy author and grandmother.

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