Best-Ever Beef Stew

Trim meat and cut into 2-inch cubes. In a large plastic bag, combine flour, garlic, salt and pepper. Shake meat in bag, 3 to 4 pieces at a time, to coat.

Melt butter in large stew pan and brown meat on all sides on low heat.

When browned, add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.

Add bouillon cubes.

Add bay leaf and simmer 1/2 hour. Add chopped vegetables. Increase heat and cook an additional 1 hour.

Thicken with flour and water.

Heat through and serve.