Chilly Night Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onions, halved and sliced
• 4 celery ribs, sliced
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) beef broth
• 2 cans (11-1/2 ounces each) V8 juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup cold water

Directions:

Combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.

Brown beef in oil in batches in a large skillet. Transfer meat and drippings to a 6-qt slow cooker. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion and celery. Combine the broth, juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, basil, paprika and remaining salt and pepper; pour over top.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer or until thickened. Discard bay leaves. Yield: 10 servings.

Inspired from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Chilly-Night-Beef-Stew