Sunday Night Cooking Challenge

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

I finally put the Crock-Pot to the test last week and made this delicious stew. (Full disclosure: I made it on a Tuesday morning and not Sunday night.) Stews are great because they last for about 3 or more meals and they're pretty cheap to make. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry. When I made it I only had to buy the beef for $5.75. Thanks to About.com for this recipe.

* 1 1/2 pounds lean stew beef
* 3 tablespoons flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 large onion (or 2 medium), halved and cut in 1/4 inch slices
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 large sweet potato, cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup beef stock (canned, or from bouillon or base)
* 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 to 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (thawed)
* salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
Toss stew beef with the flour and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet; brown beef and onion. Place sweet potato cubes in the Crock Pot; add beef and onions. Mix beef broth with cinnamon and pour over beef mixture. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Add peas or green beans during the last 15 to 20 minutes. Good with biscuits.
Serves 4.