Favorite Beef Stew

This classic cooks unattended in the crockpot and freezes beautifully.

1 1/2 pounds stew beef -- cubed

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons oil

2 cups hot water

15 ounces tomato sauce

1 each onion -- coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon basil

1 each bay leaf

2 each potatoes -- cubed

3 each carrots -- sliced

2 each celery ribs -- sliced

Place flour, salt and pepper in a paper bag. Add beef cubes, a few at a
time, and shake until coated. Brown meat, in batches, in oil in a large,
heavy dutch oven. Place meat cubes in a crockpot as they are browned. Add
all remaining ingredients to crockpot, stir, cover and cook on low for 8 to
10 hours. (Note: if doubling recipe, use a large 5 quart crockpot).