Slow Cooker Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

 

1

tablespoon vegetable oil

1 1/2

lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces if needed

4

medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices (2 cups)

3

medium red potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (3 cups)

1

large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 1/2 cups)

1

medium stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)

3

cups vegetable juice

3

tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

1

tablespoon beef bouillon granules

2

teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4

teaspoon pepper

• 1 In 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides.
• 2 Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, mix browned beef and remaining ingredients.
• 3 Cover; cook on Low heat setting 9 to 10 hours.