Simply Good Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/4 lbs lean stewing beef
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 cups water
• 3-4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 cup coarsely chopped celery
• 1 medium onion, cut in chunks
• 12-14 baby carrots
• 1 small turnip (very small, and cut about the same size as the carrots)
• 3 medium potatoes (washed and unpeeled)

Directions

1. 1

   Trim stewing beef and cut into bite-size pieces.

2. 2

   In a plastic bag, combine flour, salt, pepper and thyme.

3. 3

   Add meat to flour mixture and shake well.

4. 4

   Using a large, non-stick pot brown the meat in the Canola oil (make sure to use all the flour).

5. 5

   When well-browned, add the 2 cups of water and the ketchup, onions and celery.

6. 6

   Cover and let simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

7. 7

   Add the carrots and turnips and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, again stirring occasionally.

8. 8

   Cut the unpeeled potatoes into about 1" cubes, cover and simmer till potatoes are almost cooked, about 15 minutes.

9. 9

   Season to taste. The gravy can be thinned with a bit more water, if necessary.