This recipe has been tweaked and modified so many times I can't even remember the original version - it is a staple at our house at least a few times a month. My DH is a hunter, so we often sub in moose, buffalo or venison in place of the stewing beef. For those once-a-month cooks, this recipe can be prepped & frozen ahead - I double or triple the recipe, stew the meat to tender - then I let it cool, divide it up and freeze it at this stage. It can be taken out of the freezer and thawed out in the fridge, reheat and add the vegetables 45 minutes ahead - easy one dish meal.