Pauline Werner’s Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 pounds lean beef, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 4 carrots, cut into large chunks
• 3 stalks celery, thickly sliced

Directions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the meat in a bowl, sprinkle with flour, and toss to coat. Transfer meat to pot, season with salt and pepper, and brown meat on all sides.

Fill the pot with enough water to cover the meat, and mix in onion, bay leaf, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for an hour or until the meat is tender.

Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Continue cooking over low heat for 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf before serving.