Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This has been my "go to" recipe for stew for over 30 years now. I got this recipe from my mother in law, Diane. Sometimes stew meat can be pretty tough, but with this recipe the meat comes out soft and tender. I have also used a pound of hamburger in place of the stew meat. I just browned it with onion beforehand and spread it in the bottom of my crock pot. I also like to add other vegetables and even barley.

1 package beef stew meat (slightly browned, optional)
2 1/2 pounds potatoes (peeled, if desired, and cubed)
1 can corn (drained)
1 package beefy onion soup mix
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 can tomato sauce
3 stalks celery
1 cup carrots, sliced
3/4 cup water

Layer browned meat in greased crock pot. Layer carrots and other vegetables. Pour out cream of mushroom soup and tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with onion soup mix. Put on lid. Allow to cook for 8 hours on low or as needed. Can also turn up to high and let cook for 4-6 hours.