Triple-Batch Beef
3 variations: Chunky Chili, Herbed Beef Barley Soup, Thick Beef Stew
Contributed by Diane S.

Because I work full-time, I like to cook ahead and freeze meals so
things aren't so hectic when I get home.  I keep portions of this
economical meat mixture in heavy-duty resealable plastic bags in the
freezer.  After a busy day, it's easy to fix one of the three variations
I've included here. -- Heidee Manrose, Burns, WY

3 variations: Chunky Chili, Herbed Beef Barley Soup, Thick Beef Stew

                            Triple-Batch Beef

Recipe By     : Heidee Manrose, Quick Cooking, Jan/Feb 2000
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    :
  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1                    boneless chuck roast (4-5 lbs) -- cut in 3/4" cubes
   2                    medium onions -- chopped
   4      cloves        garlic -- minced
   2      tablespoons   vegetable oil
   1 1/2  cups          water
   1      teaspoon      salt
     1/2  teaspoon      pepper

In a Dutch oven, cook beef, onions and garlic in oil; drain.  Stir in
water, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer
for 1 3/4 to 2 hours or until meat is tender.  Cool.  Divide beef and
cooking liquid between three freezer containers; cover and freeze.  May be
frozen for up to 3 months.

Yield: 3 batches

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                            Chunky Chili

Recipe By     : Heidee Manrose, Quick Cooking, Jan/Feb 2000
Serving Size  : 3    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    :
  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      portion       Triple-Batch Beef* -- thawed
   1      jar           salsa (11 oz.)
     1/4  cup           water
   1      teaspoon      chili powder (to 2 tsps.)
   1      can           kidney beans (16 oz.) -- rinsed and drained

In a saucepan, combine beef, salsa, water and chili powder.  Bring to a
boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.  Stir in kidney beans
beans; heat through.

Yield: 3-4 servings

* Editor's Note: 2 cups of cubed cooked beef and 1/2 cup beef broth may be
substituted.

NOTES : Heidee's meat mixture is the starting point for a nice hearty
chili that cooks up in a jiffy.  "Choose different salsa if you like your
chili milder or hotter," Heidee recommends.

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                         Herbed Beef Barley Soup

Recipe By     : Heidee Manrose, Quick Cooking, Jan/Feb 2000
Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    :
  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      portion       Triple-Batch Beef* -- thawed
   3      cups          water
   1      cup           frozen cut green beans
   1      cup           frozen sliced carrots
     1/4  cup           quick-cooking barley
   1      tablespoon    beef bouillon granules
   1      teaspoon      dried thyme
     1/2  teaspoon      salt

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce
heat; cover and simmer for 10-14 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

* Editor's Note: 2 cups cubed cooked beef and 1/2 cup beef broth may be
substituted.

NOTES : Thyme comes through in this colorful soup that's chock-full of
tender beef.  "You can use any combination of vegetables you have on hand,"
Heidee adds.  "Leftovers work especially well."

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                             Thick Beef Stew

Recipe By     : Heidee Manrose, Quick Cooking, Jan/Feb 2000
Serving Size  : 3    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    :
  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      portion       Triple-Batch Beef* -- thawed
   3      medium        red potatoes
                        --quartered & cut in 1/4" slices
   1 1/4  cups          water
   1      teaspoon      dried oregano (to 1 1/2 tsps.)
   1      teaspoon      salt
   1      cup           frozen peas
   1      tablespoon    cornstarch
   2      tablespoons   lemon juice

In a saucepan, combine the beef, potatoes, water, oregano and salt.  Bring
to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until
potatoes are tender.  Add peas; heat through.  Combine cornstarch and lemon
juice until smooth; gradually add to beef mixture.  Bring to a boil; cook
and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.

* Editor's Note: 2 cups cubed cooked beef and 1/2 cup beef broth may be
substituted.

NOTES : For a real meat-and-potatoes meal, Heidee uses the mixture to
prepare this comforting stew that's sure to satisfy the heartiest of
appetites.

September 98 Recipes