Chop the beef stew meat, onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic cloves into small cubes. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add in the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. Add in the beef stew meat and cook until it is browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
Pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and ½ glass of water until the mixture is lump-free. Pour it into the dish to thicken up the stew. Stir continuously to mix well. Serve hot and enjoy!