USDA Beef Stew

Description
Beef stew is a thrifty, tasty and tummy warming dish perfect for a cold day. Enjoy the stew with some homemade biscuits or corn bread.
 * Sources and Citations: Aunt Sammy's Radio Recipes and USDA Favorites, #215
 * Serves 6

Ingredients

 * 1½ pounds boneless stew beef, 1-inch cubes
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 3 cups water
 * 1 bay leaf
 * 3 cups potatoes, quartered
 * 1½ cups carrots, cut in chunks
 * 6 small onions
 * 2 teaspoons salt
 * ¼ teaspoon pepper
 * ¼ cup flour
 * ⅓ cup water
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Things You'll Need

 * Knife
 * Cutting board
 * Measuring cups and spoons
 * Dutch oven or large saucepan

Steps

 * 1)  Brown meat on all sides in fat in a large, heavy saucepan.
 * 2)  Add 3 cups water and bay leaf.
 * 3)  Cover  tightly.
 * 4) Simmer about 2 hours or until meat is tender.
 * 5) Add vegetables and seasonings and continue cooking, covered, about 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
 * 6)   Remove bay leaf.
 * 7) Stir flour into ⅓ cup water until smooth.
 * 8) Stir flour mixture gently into stew.
 * 9)  Continue stirring only as needed to prevent sticking until stew thickens.