Braised Beef Stew

2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup dry red wine or reduced-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons red currant jelly
2 bay leaves
2 fresh oregano sprigs
1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Preheat oven to 350°. Toss beef with flour and steak seasoning. In an ovenproof Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches; remove with a slotted spoon.

In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, parsnips and carrots; cook and stir until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, wine, jelly, bay leaves, oregano and beef; bring to a boil.

Bake, covered, 1-1/2 hours. Stir in beans; bake, covered, 30-40 minutes longer or until beef and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves and oregano sprigs. If desired, sprinkle with parsley. Makes 8 servings (2 quarts).

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