Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds beef for stew
- 1 quart canned or stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 5 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup apple juice
- 2 tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional)
- ½ cup warm water (optional)
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Brown stew meat on all sides. Drain excess fat.
- Placed browned meat and remaining ingredients except flour and water in Crock-Pot® slow cooker. Mix well. Cover; cook on high 6 to 7 hours.
- Before serving, thicken gravy, if desired. Combine flour and warm water in small bowl, stirring well until all lumps are gone. Add mixture to liquid in Crock-Pot slow cooker; mix well.
- Cook 10 to 20 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Remove and discard bay leaves before serving.