Beef Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 slices bacon, cut in small pieces
4 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 lb. chuck, cut in chunks
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 c. beef broth
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 pinch thyme
4 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

Preparation

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon until light brown. Combine flour and pepper in a bowl.
Dip meat in this mixture to coat.
Brown in the bacon fat, turning often.
Add a little vegetable oil, if necessary.
Add onion and garlic; cook until brown.
Add tomato sauce, broth, bay leaf and thyme.
Cover and cook slowly for about 1 1/2 hours.
Add carrots, celery and potatoes; cook, covered, another 1/2 hour or until vegetables are tender.