Irish Pub Beef Stew

• beef, cut into chunks (splurge on the cut if you can)↗1 1⁄2 lbs
• butter↗1⁄4 cup
• (10 1/2 ounce) can tomato soup1 can
• (10 1/2 ounce) can water↗1 can
• carrots, cut into chunks↗4
• large potatoes, cut into chunks (I don't peel carrots or spuds but you can if you like)↗4
• stalks celery, cut into chunks↗2
• onions, cut into chunks↗4
• salt↗2 teaspoons
• black pepper↗1 teaspoon
• fresh parsley, chopped fine↗1⁄4 cup
• good quality cooking sherry↗1⁄4 cup
• bay leaves↗2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 300F degrees.

2. 2

   In a heavy skillet brown the beef in the butter over medium high heat.

3. 3

   Add the soup and water and stir well.

4. 4

   Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring once.

5. 5

   Transfer to a cast iron dutch oven or oven proof pot and cook in the oven, covered for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Remove from oven, remove bay leaves and serve with Irish Soda Bread and butter.