Crockpot Stew

1 ½ lb. beef stew meat
2 TBS flour
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 TBS oil
1 lb. small red potatoes quartered
16-oz. pkg. frozen pearl onions
1 lb. baby carrots
12-oz. jar beef gravy
14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
3 TBS flour
¼ cup cold water

Cut meat into 3/4 inch cubes. Coat beef with 2 TBS flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add coated beef; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.

In crockpot layer potatoes, onions, and carrots. Add browned beef; sprinkle with remaining flour mixture. Drain diced tomatoes. Top with gravy and tomatoes.

Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8-10 hours. Before serving blend 3 TBS flour with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir into stew. Cook on HIGH, covered, 10 minutes or until thickened.Two medium onions, peeled and cut, can be used in place of frozen pearl onions. Russet potatoes and large carrots can also be used. Browning the meat develops the flavor, but this step can be omitted to save time. Simply coat the meat with flour mixture before layering it with the other ingredients as directed.

This recipe works great with pork or chicken as well. Just buy turkey gravy instead of beef.