I browned 2 lbs of stew meat and then added carrots, potatos, onions and celery. All went into my oval shaped crock pot for 6 hours on high. For flavor I added 2 packages of stew seasoning from the local super market. At the end, I mixed flour & H2o with black pepper to the stew to thicken up the gravy. I didn’t want au Jus today. I’m letting it sit up so the flavors will blend even more. I’ll take some to work tonight and share it with my coworkers.[:)]