Idiot Proof Beef Stew

4 or 5 medium red potatoes - scrubbed and quartered

1/3 cup flour

salt and pepper to taste

1.5 lbs. beef stew meat

14 oz. can diced tomatoes (dont drain)

1 cup water

14 oz can beef broth

1 package onion soup mix

3 bay leaves

1 cup frozen baby carrots

1 cup frozen green beans (italian cut is best)

1 cup frozen brussels sprouts

(If you prefer different veggies use them --- just as long as it's 3 cups it doesnt matter)

I use a 4 quart crock pot

Put spuds in the bottom of the pot. Mix flour, salt and pepper - coat the meat. Add (meat) to crockpot. Add tomatoes, broth, water, onion soup mix and bay leaves. Stir.

Cover the pot and cook on low for 8 or so hours. Add frozen veggies and let it cook another 45 min to an hour. (til the veggies are tender)

I like to add 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon of hot hungarian paprika to this to "kick it up".