Oven Beef Stew

Method

• Combine flour and seasonings in a plastic bag
• Trim and discard all visible fat from the beef
• Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes; lightly toss in seasoned flour: reserve excess flour
• Pour oil into a 6-cup oven-proof casserole dish; stir in floured meat
• Bake, uncovered, at 450F for 30 minutes, stirring once
• Reduce oven temperature to 350=F8F
• Combine water, soup mix, reserved flour, and bay leaf; pour over meat
• Bake, covered, for 1 hour; stirring once
• Add potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms and an additional 1/4 cup water if needed
• Bake, covered, for about another 45 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender
• Discard the bay leaf.