Crock Pot Beef Stew

It's a yucky day today here in St Louis.  It's dark and raining and cold.  The kind of day that makes you want to curl up with a blankie and a cup of hot chocolate!  But one of my kiddo's has piano lesson's today so we must brave the elements.  On days where we are out and about in the evening I like to make a meal in the crockpot.  It cuts down on the temptation to just get fast food.

Today is the perfect day for a hot hearty Beef Stew!

Clair's Crockpot Beef Stew

1 pound beef stew meat
1/2 pound baby carrots
1 rib celery*
3 medium potatoes cubed
1 medium onion*
15 ozs beef broth
1 package gravy mix
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Worchesteshire Sauce
salt to taste
pepper to taste

If desired saute stew meat in some Olive Oil.  If you are in a hurry you can just throw it in the pot!!  Put in the beef broth and gravy mix and whisk together.  Throw in all the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

*In my family almost everyone dislikes celery and onion, but I like the flavor they add.  I cut them in half so that they are easy to dish out.  If you plan on eating them as part of the stew cut them into smaller pieces.