Favorite Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS:                                                                                                                                                                                    • 2 lb stew beef pieces, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 lb small white onions, fresh, frozen thawed, or from jar
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled, quartered
• 4 ribs celery (cut 1″)
• 6 carrots, cut in chunks, or about 8 ounces baby carrots
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) tomatoes, diced, drain and reserve the juice
• 5 TBLs instant tapioca
• 1 TBL brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tsps Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master

PREPARATION:

1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
2. Place in slow cooker.
3. Add vegetables.
4. Mix tapioca, sugar, tomato liquid, and kitchen bouquet.
5. Pour over stew.
6. Mix a little bit.
7. Add bay leaf.
8. Cook on Low 10-12 hours; High 5-6 hours.
9. Let sit a little bit before serving – it will thicken a little.