2 lb. beef cubes
1 lg. onion, sliced
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tbsp. pepper
1/2 c. cold water
1/4 c. flour
4 c. boiling water or tomato juice
Dash of allspice or ground cloves
2 tbsp. shortening
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
6 carrots, cut in quarters
6 potatoes, cut in chunks
1/2 tbsp. paprika
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Brown beef cubes in shortening for about 20 minutes. Add onion, water, salt, lemon juice, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, paprika, and allspice or cloves. Cover and simmer 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add vegetables. Simmer 30 minutes longer.

Combine water and flour. Stir until smooth. Pull vegetables and meat to one side of pan. Add flour mixture and stir until gravy is thickened.

VARIATION: Add 1 1/2 cups green beans with vegetables.

NOTE: I always use tomato juice instead of water; it makes the stew so much better.