Salt and pepper beef stew meat to taste.

Coat beef stew meat with flour.

Brown the floured meat in vegetable oil, turning as needed.

Add bay leaf, chopped onion, garlic powder, and water to the browned meat.

Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add potatoes (large chunks), carrots (large chunks), canned tomatoes, sliced canned mushrooms, and frozen peas.

Add the remaining flour to the stew.

Cover and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.

Serve hot, using a heavy stew pan or roaster for best results.