Crockpot Beef Stew

Hello Mamas! In case some of you are thinking WHO IS AMY? I am Bonki's younger sister. Thanks for letting me share some of your recipes. They are very tasty. I have made this beef stew twice now so I thought I would share it with you guys. My little Lola loves it and begs for more (okay, so she's a dog...maybe not the most discerning audience, but I think it's delicious!) ENJOY!

From the Better Homes and Gardens Crockery Cookbook

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pound beef or pork stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (I've used beef both times)
2 tablespoons cooking oil

2 1/4 cups cubed, peeled potatoes
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon granules
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
2 1/2 cups vegetable juice

1. Place flour in a plastic bag. Add meat cubes, shaking to coat meat with flour. In a large skillet brown meat, half at a time, in hot oil. Drain off fat.

2. Meanwhile, in the bottom of a 4 quart crockpot layer potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Sprinkle with bouillon granules, garlic, basil, and thyme; add meat. Pour vegetable juice over meat.

3. Cover; cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.
Makes 4 servings. For an easy meal, serve with biscuits and a mixed green salad.