1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. flour (divided)
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 lb. beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into cubes
1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes in juice, undrained
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup chopped leeks
1 cup chopped celery (about 4 ribs), sliced
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
3 tbsp. water

Combine 1/2 cup flour, salt and pepper in Ziplock bag. Add beef; shake bag to coat beef. Place beef in slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except the remaining 2 tablespoons flour and water; stir well. Cover and cook on low 8 to 12 hours or on high 4 to 6 hours.

One hour before serving, turn slow cooker to high. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons flour and water in small bowl; stir mixture into slow cooker. Mix well. Cover and cook until thickened.

Submitted by: Karen LaValley