Hamburger Stew

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• Salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper
• 1/2 medium cooking onion
• 1 small garlic clove (optional)
• 1 large carrot (diced )
• 1 celery stalk (diced)
• 1/2 cup peas, corn, beans or other veggie (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth (prepared Beef Oxo®)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Brown the onion, garlic, seasonings and beef. Add the vegetables and beef broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Mix the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water until smooth and add to the meat mixture. Stir until thickened. Serve over mashed potatoes.