Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Ingredients:
· 3 tablespoons olive oil, divide
· 1 pound sirloin tip roast (cut into 1 inch chunks) or stew meat, fat removed
· Salt and pepper to taste
· 1 cup chopped onion
· 2 tablespoons minced garlic
· 2 ½ cups + ¼ cup beef broth, divided
· 1 bay leaf
· 4 medium red potatoes (about 1 pound) cut into 1-inch chunks
· 2 large carrots, sliced ¼ inch thick
· 2 ½ tablespoons flour

Directions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on one side for 5 minutes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Turn meat over and add another tablespoon of oil; brown another 2-3 minutes. With the meat browned, reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is browned.
3. Add broth and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Then stir in potatoes and carrots. Cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes until vegetables are done.
4. Combine flour with ¼ cup beef broth, whisking until there are no lumps. Stir into stew and cook 5 more minutes until thickened. Serve immediately.