Try this. 

 It's my fall-back. When you're COMPLETELY uninspired, worn out, over committed and pulled in a hundred directions this lovely tasty dinner is thrown together in no time and is about as strenuous as a bit of can opening and chopping. 

 What shall we call it? Maybe Stewie Spuds? 

Stewie Spuds. (I reserve the right to come back and edit this name when it's not last at night and all writing ability has left me.)

500g (or so) of beef, chopped. OR it works beautifully with chopped up beef sausages – about 8.

1 brown onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic crushed

4 rashers bacon, finely chopped

1 large (800g) tin tomatoes

1 tin sweet corn kernals (400g)

1 tin baked beans (400g)

1 carrot chopped finely

peas, if you like

About 4 large potatos, peeled and sliced

Really, the trick to this stew is just use what you have. Whatever meat you've got in the fridge and vegies in the crisper and tins in the pantry. I've made it with diced beef and sausages and both work well – the kids probably prefer the sausage version. 

I've thrown different vegies in – you just start with onion and garlic in your pot (ideally one that can go in an oven) in a bit of olive oil. Cook. Throw in bacon and cook. Add meat. Brown the meat. Toss in your tomatoes and baked beans and whatever vegies you have: tinned corn and carrots went into the one here. Layer your potatoes over the top and put into a moderate oven (covered) for about 45 minutes and then cook for another 20 mins uncovered (makes the potatoes go nice and brown.) You could put grated cheese on top for this last bit too which would be yummy.

The meat/bacon/baked beans give this a fab depth of flavor.  And as long as you have an hour to let it cook, it's super quick to throw together and you can go put your feet up with a glass of wine (or in my case stand outside with a cup of tea supervising crazy trampolining action.)

Everyone needs to have a family dinner recipe they can make in a state of complete fatigue with their eyes half closed and feel good about it. I always feel good about this dinner. Hang the salad or steamed greens that might be nice to serve with it. Serve yourself up a lovely hearty plateful and the day is all OK.

Food is just that wonderful, right?

xxx