about a pound of meat ( stew, top round )
An onion chopped
Bullion for 2 cups of water
Paprika
Corn starch

Put a little butter or oil in the pan and brown the meat an onions
together.  It takes about 5-10 minutes.  

Add about 2 cups of water, and bullion. 

Add paprika (1/4 to 1/2 c.) and let simmer for 2 hours, or until
meat is tender.  Longer is ok, too.  Add more water, if it starts to
look like it will burn.

Mix about a tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/3c cold water.  Add
cornstarch mixture a little at a time, stirring constantly, until it
thickens to gravy consistency.