Start with stew beef -- cubed chunks of beef chuck. Put vegetable oil in the pan; brown the meat. Add water, spices (bay leaf, tbsp salt, pepper, paprika, allspice), onion, and garlic. Cook 1 to 1.5 hours (tenderizes meat).
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, pearl onions (can buy frozen), worcestershire sauce. Add flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water, to thicken.