Every cook should have a few special go-to recipes.  For me, that means recipes that I know so well that a quick look at the ingredients and instructions is enough of a refresher to get me started.  I might need another glance during the process. But Practice Makes Automatic!

This beef stew recipe is so good,  after making it a few times, it will be one of your go-to recipes too.

Utah is cold in January.  Roasts, chilies and stews are such flavorful comfort foods in the cold weather that I make them a lot. This stew is my adaptation…..sort of a  combination of Michael Symon’s and Annemarie Huste’s (chef to Jacqueline Kennedy’s household).

Beef Stew

3  lbs.  beef chuck
salt and pepper
flour
rendered bacon fat or olive oil

1/2 lb. thick sliced bacon

2  red  onions, medium chop
4 or 5 cloves of garlic, minced
3  celery ribs and leaves, 1/2″ pieces
6  carrots, 1/2″ chop
3/4 lb. cremini mushrooms, quartered
4 large potatoes, 1/2″ cubes
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
2-12 0z. bottles lager
2-8 oz. cans beef bullion

Cut beef into 1×1-1/2pieces. Season pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.  Brown them in a Dutch oven in batches. Put into hot fat (I prefer rendered bacon fat) so they’re not touching in the pan.  As they brown, turn them to brown on all sides, then remove them to a dish, until they’ re all done.  Put them back in the Dutch oven, add bacon, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, lager and bullion,  thyme and rosemary plus a good tsp of salt and couple of dashes of pepper.   Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any tasty bits.   If you have fresh herbs, double the amount. Simmer 2 to 2-1/2 hours or til tender.

I like Wasatch Brewerys’ 1st Amendment Lager.  They’re a local brewery in Park City, Utah You’ve probably got a local brewery near you.  Search it out.  I’m convinced buying local is the way  to go whether it’s beef, chicken, veggies or beer.  Did you chuckle?  I did!

For a nice variation, add a jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, chopped, a sprinkle of mexican oregano, a heaping teaspoon of cumin and a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped…..or parsley.

If you’re looking for a change from ribs and dips for Super Bowl fare or a great savory dish to go along with them, serve this Go-To Beef Stew.  Everyone will love you!