Beef Stew

I got this recipe from Jeanette and it's yummy.

1 lb beef stew meat
1 Tbsp cooking oil

5-7 large peeled, cubed potatoes
2-3 large peeled, sliced carrots
1-2 celery ribs, sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
2 tsp instant beef bouillon granules
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp, dried basil, crushed
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 LARGE can tomato juice (I buy the big can of Wal-mart brand juice on the bottom shelf)

Brown the stew meat in oil. Layer vegetables in crockpot. Sprinkle bouillon, garlic, basil and thyme over vegetables. Add meat on top. Pour tomato juice over meat. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or high 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours until meat and vegetables are tender.