Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) for thickening

Instructions: