Beef Stew

Directions

1. 1
   Coat meat with the flour, salt and pepper.
2. 2
   Melt shortening in a Dutch oven or large pot.
3. 3
   Brown meat thoroughly in the hot shortening.
4. 4
   Add envelope of soup mix and the water.
5. 5
   Heat to boiling, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 2 hours.
6. 6
   Stir in carrots, green pepper, onion, celery, bouillon cubes (2) and bay leaf.
7. 7
   Simmer 15 more minutes.
8. 8
   Add potatoes and simmer another 20 to 30 minutes.
9. 9
   Add frozen vegetables.
10. 10
    Stir well and simmer about 5 more minutes or turn off heat and let set about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
11. 11
    If you prefer thicker stew combine 1 cup cold water with 3 tablespoons flour; stir in stew and heat to boiling.
12. 12
    Boil and stir 1 minute.
13. 13
    Remove bay leaf.