I'm always looking for easy and economical recipes to feed my family.  This time of year, I make good use of my crockpot (slow-cooker).  It's great to have dinner ready to serve when you get home from a long day at work, or all of those activities you've been driving the kids to. 

Here is a hearty beef stew recipe that my family loves.  If you want you can serve rice on the side, with a tossed salad and fruit for dessert. It's an easy and low cost recipe that is just delicious, too. 

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Crockpot Traditional Beef Stew

2 pounds lean chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 envelope Lipton's dry onion soup mix
2 jars mushroom gravy (about 3 cups)
6 small potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
1 carton fresh mushrooms, cleaned and quartered

Put the beef cubes in the bottom of crockpot. Sprinkle with pepper and the onion soup mix. Add gravy. Layer the vegetables, potatoes first, then carrots, and finish with mushrooms on top. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours.

Serves 6 to 8.