Mom's Stew

1 Tbsp. Shortening
1 lb. beef, cubed in 1 inch squares
1 large onion, sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup water
4 small potatoes
1 cup green beans
4 small carrots
1 cup tomatoes
1 Tbsp. flour
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. worcestershire sauce

This is typically made in a pressure cooker, but may be made in a regular pot.  These are the directions for my mom's old Presto pressure cooker:

Heat pressure cooker; add shortening.  Brown meat.  Add onion, salt, pepper, and water.  Place small potatoes, green beans, carrots, and tomatoes over meat.  Close cover securely.  Place pressure regulator on vent pipe and cook 10 to 12 minutes with pressure regulator rocking slowly.  Cool pressure cooker at once. Make a paste of the flour and 1/4 cup water and stir into stew to thicken.

Another method of preparing stew is to cook the meat separately 8-10 minutes, then add the vegetabels and cook 5 minutes with pressure regulator rocking slowly.