Hearty Beef Stew

vegetable cooking spray

1 lb beef for stew, cut into 1" pieces

1 14.5 oz can beef broth

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp thyme

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

3 med carrots, cut into 1" pieces

2 med potatoes, cut into cubes

if needed:

2 TBS all-purpose flour

1/4 c water

Spray 6 qt saucepot with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add beef and cook until well browned, stirring often. Stir in broth, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper into saucepot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. Add in carrots and potatoes; cover and cook an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. If the broth has not thickened from cooking: stir flour and water together in a cup and stir into saucepot. Cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens. Discard bay leaf before serving.