Slivered Beef Stew

HisPixie's Note:

This is the recipe that I learned to make beef stew with, as a young cook. I have since modified it but I wanted to put the basics online for my daughters since I just wing it these days. I chose this one because it cooked relatively quickly (compared to my grandmother's recipe). This comes from the 1973 Good Housekeeping Cook Book, which was the cook book I used as a young bride.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 lbs beef round steak, cut about 3/4-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 2 cups carrots, 1-inch chunks
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled, 1-inch chunks (may add more)
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced (originally called for 1 cup)
• 1 cup mushroom, sliced (I omit, personal preference)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups water (may use some beef broth in place of some of the water)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons paprika

Directions:

1. Cut steak into strips about 3 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. On waxed paper, coat meat with flour; reserve remaining flour.
2. In large skillet, over medium-high heat, melt the shortening. Cook the meat in the shortening until well browned.
3. Add carrots, onions, potatoes, celery, mushrooms (if using), bay leaf, & pepper, and 3 cups of water (or 1 can of beef broth and 1 cup of water). Heat to boiling.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
5. In a cup, combine the remaining flour with 1 teaspoon salt, stir into stew and cook until thickened slightly; stirring constantly. Stir in sour cream and paprika; heat but do not boil.