Try thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, basil or oregano. Spice choices can include cumin, turmeric, and coriander. You can certainly adjust the herbs and spices in recipes to reflect your family's tastes. When the meat is tender, remove it and the large pieces of vegetable from the pan and keep them warm while you reduce and thicken the liquid. My rainy-day cooking resulted in this delicious braised beef dish.
Good accompaniments are rice, pasta or pan-grilled polenta.
Trim fat and pat meat dry, brown on all sides in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and cook over low heat for 30 seconds. Return beef to pan, add the remaining 1 cup water and bring to a boil.