Country Touch Beef Stew

Thanks to Minette Greenman, who will always be loved as a beloved grandmother!

1 egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups Bran Chex cereal, divided*
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon shortening
½ cup coarsely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning spice
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
3 medium tomatoes, each cut into quarters
1 green pepper, cut into 1 –inch pieces
1 zucchini, cut into ½- inch pieces
1 ear of corn, cut into 6 pieces

Directions: In medium bowl combine egg. Worcestershire sauce and 1 cup Chex. Stir. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in ground beef until well combined and cereal is completely broken up. Shape mixture into 24 meatballs.

Melt shortening in Dutch oven. Add meatballs. Brown evenly over medium heat 10 minutes. Add onion and garlic. Cook an additional 3 minutes. Drain drippings. Add broth, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, remaining 2 cups cereal, tomatoes, green pepper, zucchini, carrots and corn. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.

*Measure cereal in glass measuring cup.

Makes 6 servings.