Simple Crock Pot Beef Stew

Just a silly twist on beef stew I threw together. All depends on your personal taste what you like to add in. These are ours. ;) I find that it just gets better the longer it cooks - and that you can sort of use the cooking times as "guidelines". Sometimes I start out the night before while making another quick meal (I made it during my Family Pleasing Chicken Paprika) and let it go slowly over night for the next evening's meal - the picture I posted is from that. ***Note: (I tend to be heavy handed when I shake or pour spices so measurements are approx. go by your own tastes)

• Ready In: 8 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2 -3  lbs beef, I used fajita cut meat
• 2  tablespoons flour, approx. (to dredge meat in)
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1 -2  cup red wine, approx. 1/3 bottle (I used cabernet sauvignon)
• 3 -4  carrots
• 2 1⁄2 russet potatoes, large baking style (cubed)
• 3  stalks celery, diced
• 2  bay leaves
• 2  tablespoons garlic, more to taste
•  black pepper
• 1  teaspoon white pepper
• 2  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) bag  frozen peas
• 1  cup  birdseye  white pearl onion, frozen
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 2 (32 ounce) cartons beef broth, I like Pacific Natural Foods brand organic
• 2  tablespoons  tony cachere's cajun  brown gravy mix
• 2  teaspoons cornstarch
• 1  cup cold water

Directions

1. Lightly dredge beef in flour with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, black pepper to taste, a pinch of salt, and paprika.
2. Brown in pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Add to crock pot.
4. Mix in crock pot all remaining ingredients except the peas and onions (hold aside the gravy mix, cold water and corn starch until the end to thicken).
5. Cook for 6 hrs on high or 8 hours on low if you are leaving house.
6. Turn down to low and simmer as long as needed.
7. Thicken "soup" base to desired consistency using brown gravy mix and corn starch with 1 cup cold water.
8. Be sure to whisk thoroughly before adding to crock pot to avoid lumps.
9. Add peas and onions and cook for at least 2 hours prior to serving.
10. Remove all bay leaves, serve with crusty bread or your favorite starch.
11. Enjoy ;).