California Settler's Stew

California Settler's Stew was a family recipe I grew up with. It's a simple comfort food stew of ground beef, potatoes, in a tomato base. The key secret ingredient is Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Salt, it's the main seasoning. My family's not settlers or from California lol, I think the name was chosen to make something simple seem more adventurous.

This super quick, slightly concentrated recipe can be made as fast as 30 minutes. The number of servings in the pot are maximized, just add 1-2oz water to each bowl served. Cento brand preferred for canned tomatoes.

Ingredients:

     - 1-1.5 pounds 85/15 Ground Round Beef, 

     - 28oz can Peeled Plum Tomatoes, 

     - 28oz can Crushed Tomatoes, 

     - 2 russet potatoes med-large,

     - ½ white onion med-large, 

     - 2.5 tablespoons Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt, 

     - ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, 

     - ½ teaspoon oregano, 

     - optional chopped Parsley

     - 1-2 cups water

Directions:

 1. Season and cook ground beef in 3.5 quart stew pot over medium heat. 

     Draining fat after browning is optional, keep for better taste, simplicity.

     (original recipe specified Meatballs, but loose ground beef is quicker+easier) 

     - 1-1.5 pounds 85/15 Ground Round preferred, 

     - 1 tablespoon Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt, 

     - ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper. 

 2. Simultaneously peel+dice potatoes, spread on microwave-safe/paper plate, 

        Microwave on HIGH for 6 minutes until tender.

     - 2 medium-large russet potatoes diced, 

 3. When beef is browned, add tomatoes and more seasoning:

     - full can 28oz Peeled Plum Tomatoes ADD FIRST AND BREAK UP, 

        (break up tomatoes into bite sized pieces carefully, they'll squirt!) 

     - full can 28oz Crushed Tomatoes

     - add diced potatoes cooked tender from step 2 above, 

     - ½ teaspoon oregano, 

     - 1.5 tablespoons Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt, 

     - optional chopped Parsley

 4. Slice, dice, and microwave Onion on HIGH 3-4 minutes until tender.

     - slice two 3/4" thick "onion pucks", 

     - then dice the rings of each puck into pieces, spray with oil, 

     - microwave then add to stew.

 5. Add 1-2 cups water, more Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt to taste.

P.S. DO NOT LEAVE HAMBURGER ON THE COUNTER FOR THE DOG

          - Col. Russell 'Red' Reeder, 1945