Okay, I stole the “warm your innards” quote from my favorite holiday movie (the 1938 version of A Christmas Carol). But, I have a stew recipe that is guaranteed to keep you warm when it is cold out.
The recipe has been in my family for a while. I am not sure where it originated, all I know is my grandmother called it George Bush Stew (the first one, not W.), so I am sure it has been around at least 15 years. I tried searching for information about it online but found nothing, so it may go by another name. George Bush Stew is one of my husband’s favorite meals. This is a big deal. This is a man who often replies “people chow” when asked what he wants for dinner. This recipe has become my family’s Christmas Eve dinner tradition since it is quick and easy, but also tasty.
Your shopping list will be:
-one green bell pepper
-two cans of chili beans (I prefer the Bush brand if you can get it at your grocery store)
-one pound of ground beef
-two cans of shoepeg corn
-a can of diced tomatoes
-one small onion
-1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
-salt and pepper
In a large pot, combine the two cans of chili beans (drained), the two cans of shoepeg corn (drained), and the diced tomatoes (I do not drain these). Add one can of water and stir. Turn the burner on medium heat.
Dice the green bell pepper and onion then place it into a small bowl. I usually dice up about half a small onion and half of a bell pepper, but you can add more or less, depending on how much your family likes. I microwave this for about 30 seconds to a minute – just long enough to soften them. Add these to your pot then salt and pepper to taste.
Brown your ground beef in a skillet. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the meat as it cooks. When finished, drain the ground beef. Add it to your pot and allow the stew to simmer for about 30 minutes.
This is excellent served with warm cornbread muffins or grilled cheese sandwiches.