Low, moist heat makes for a tender, flavorful stew. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the gravy.

Crockpot Beef Stew

1 pound beef stew meat
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, sliced
2 teaspoons dried italian seasonings, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons beef base or bouillon granules
2 cups hot water

1. In a slow cooker or crockpot coated with vegetable cooking spray, combine beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, Italian seasonings and pepper. Dissolve beef base in hot water and add to pot. Cook for 8 to 10 hours on LOW until tender.

Makes 4 servings.