Saucy Beef Simmer

1 1/2 lbs beef stewing cubes
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cut beef into 1 inch cubees; sprinkle with salt and pepper. In large saucepan, eat half of the oil over medium-high heat; brown beef, in batches. Transfer to place, drain off any fat from pan.
Reduce heat to medium; add remaining oil to pan. Fry celery, onion, garlic, oregano and cinnamon, stirring ocasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour; cook for 1 minutes. Stir in stock, 1 cup of water and tomato paste, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Return beef and any accumulated juices to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Sprinkle with parsley.