Old-Time Beef Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. oil or butter
2 lb. beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 c. hot water
1 tsp. meat magic
1/8 tsp. garlic powder or flakes
2 Tbsp. onion flakes
1 or 2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
dash of allspice and dash of cloves
6 carrots, pared and quartered
4 potatoes, pared and quartered
1 lb. small white onions

Preparation

In Dutch oven, thoroughly brown meat in oil or butter, turning often.
Add 2 cups hot water and next 10 ingredients.
Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to keep from sticking.
Remove bay leaves.
Add vegetables; cover and cook 30 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.