Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Braised Beef Medley?
It is a versatile, slow-cooked meat base inspired by the Mix a Mix Cookbook, designed to be used in various classic dishes.
How long does it take to cook the beef medley?
The recipe requires baking in the oven for 3 to 4 hours.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 5 lbs of stew meat, onion soup mix, bay leaves, cream of mushroom soup, golden mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and water.
Can this beef medley be used for Beef Bourguignon?
Yes, it serves as an excellent foundation for classic dishes like Beef Bourguignon.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is designed for meal prep; you can prepare it once and freeze portions to enjoy all month long.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What type of beef should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of stew meat cut into small chunks.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 425 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 27.5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the beef be stored after cooking?
Divide the cooled medley into eight 1-pint freezer containers and seal them tightly.
How long can I freeze the Savory Braised Beef Medley?
For best quality, it should be consumed within 3 months of freezing.
Do I need to leave space in the containers before freezing?
Yes, leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
What kind of cooking vessel should I use?
A large covered casserole dish or a Dutch oven is recommended.
What soups are used in the mixture?
The recipe uses cream of mushroom, condensed golden mushroom, and cream of celery soups.
Does the recipe require browning the meat first?
No, the instructions indicate to combine the raw stew meat directly with the other ingredients before baking.
How much water is added to the recipe?
One quart of fresh water is added to the mixture.
What is the preparation for the onion soup mix?
Use one 8-ounce package of dry onion soup mix.
Can this be used for Braised Beef Stroganoff?
Yes, this mixture is an ideal base for Braised Beef Stroganoff.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 whole bay leaves.
Should I stir the mixture during cooking?
Yes, stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 7 ingredients.
Can I use this for Western Beef Stew?
Yes, the beef medley is specifically suggested as a foundation for Western Beef Stew.
Does the meat need to cool before freezing?
Yes, let the casserole cool to room temperature before dividing it into freezer containers.
What is the size of the soup cans used?
The recipe specifies 2-ounce cans for the mushroom and celery soups.
How should I label the containers?
Label each container with the date and the contents before placing them in the freezer.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty and aromatic flavor profile.