well, stew is a euphemism -- and no one should ever turn to me for cooking advice

I just browned the beef in bacon grease (same pan as the breakfast bacon). I put salt, pepper and garlic powder on it first. I put it in a crock pot for 8 hours. During the last two, I added sliced mushrooms and (frozen) green beans.

It was watery before I put the vegetables in, and afterwards, it was like chunks of beef with vegetables and juice.

I'm sure there's a way to thicken -- arrowroot? -- but I didn't try. It's not one of my successes (I post the planned menu in the morning, not the actualization.)