Bring the beef and water to a boil in a heavy wide bottom pot. Reduce the flame to medium and cook covered 2 hours. Stir in all but last ingredient and bring to a boil again. Reduce to medium and cook covered 30 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, gently so as not to break up the meat, and cook covered 30 more minutes or a little longer, until the potatoes are very tender. Transfer all the solids to a serving platter with a slotted spoon. If the liquid left in the pot is too thin, reduce it on a high flame until it reaches the consistency of maple syrup. Pour the sauce over all, and serve hot.