Down Home Country Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the beef broth, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the potatoes and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the frozen peas and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Serve warm.

Interesting Facts

• Country stew is a traditional comfort food made from simple ingredients and is often served with bread.
• The origin of country stew is unknown, but it is believed to have been created in the early 1800s.
• Country stew is a popular dish in the American South and is often served during the cooler months.