V-8 BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Season the beef with the thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
• Place flour in a covered bowl or a large sealable plastic bag.
• Add the beef, a small batch at a time, and shake to coat pieces.
• Shake off excess flour.
• Repeat until all the meat is coated.
• In a large non-stick skillet, heat the oil or fat over medium-high heat.
• Add the meat in batches and brown the meat on all sides.
• Do not crowd the pan or scorch the meat.
• Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Repeat until all the meat is browned.
• Reserve 2 Tbsp of fat from the pan (if there is not enough, add enough to make 2 Tbsp).
• In a Dutch oven or a large stockpot, heat the oil or fat over medium heat.
• Add the onions and garlic, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Return the meat to the pan and stir to coat and combine.
• Stir in vegetable juice, bouillon, hot pepper sauce, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, and water.
• Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
• Cover; simmer for 1 1/4 hours, stirring every 10 minutes or so (making sure no residue thickens on the bottom of the pan).
• Stir in celery, potatoes, and carrot.
• Cover; simmer 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring every 10 minutes or so.
• Skim off fat.
• Serve over fresh-cooked egg noodles or white rice.