Cooking ahead may seem like a daunting task. Cooking one meal is sometimes overwhelming, how do you cook for several at the same time? But what if I told you with only a 15-minute time investment, you could have dinner simmering for tonight and possibly several more meals down the road?
Batch cooking the protein speeds dinner to the table faster than you can call for takeout, and it so much healthier to boot. Today’s Italian Stewed Beef is a Crock Pot wonder that can simmer on your counter top all day. The tender, flavorful beef can then be served atop your favorite cheese ravioli tonight for dinner. Leftovers refrigerate for up to four days, or will freeze for up to three months. That means dinner is just minutes away another night, too.

This time of year, when the days are short and the nights are crisp (or downright cold depending on where you live), moist and flavorful stewed beef is the perfect warm and homey dinner solution. Stay tuned for next week’s Italian Vegetable and Beef Stew. It’s an old-fashioned stew your mom or grandmother probably simmered all day long to achieve but only takes 20 minutes.