Favorite Beef Stew

1 1/2 pounds stew meat, cubed
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons oil
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 onion coarse chopped
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 bay leaf
2 potatoes, cubed
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced

Place flour, salt and pepper in a paper bag.

Add beef cubes, a few at a time, and shake until coated.

Brown meat, in batches, in oil in a large, heavy Dutch oven.

Place meat cubes in a crockpot as they are browned.

Add all remaining ingredients to crockpot, stir, cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

(Note: if doubling recipe, use a large 5 quart crockpot).