How To Jazz Up Canned Beef Stew

Sometimes you can't, or just don't want to, make comfort food from scratch.  You need and want a stick to your ribs meal that is quick and convenient, but still looks pretty on your plate.

This is eat-from-the-pantry-because-we-are-not-going-to-the-store week and our menu plan had "beef stew" on it for today's lunch.  I popped open the can and you can see what it looked like, above.  Not very inspiring, huh?  It tastes good when it's all warmed through and definitely sticks to the ribs, but it's just not all that pretty.  No worries because I jazz up my pantry items.

Dice up 2 small carrots and sauté them for a few minutes.  Rinse some frozen peas in a strainer, then add them to the carrots with 1/4 cup of water.  Cover and boil for 2-3 minutes.  Now add in your canned beef stew, stir and heat through.

The result is not only pleasing to the eye, but the carrots and peas also add another layer of texture.  Perfect for a quick, fall meal when you're busy or have unexpected guests drop by.  Enjoy!