Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.

Next, peel and finely chop the onion to add flavor to your stew.

In a stewing pan, heat butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling.

Add the cubed meat to the pan, browning it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor.

Once browned, incorporate the chopped onion into the pan and fry briefly until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle flour evenly over the meat and stir well to coat, which will help thicken the stew later.

Gradually pour in enough water to nearly cover the meat, and add the beef broth cubes for rich flavor. Stir until the cubes dissolve.

Season the mixture with pepper, a pinch of salt (if desired), and the bay leaf for additional depth.

Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.

While the stew is simmering and nearly done, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks for easy cooking.

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the potato chunks and cook until tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Once everything is ready, serve the stew hot, accompanied by the soft, cooked potatoes for a hearty meal!