Quick and Easy Stew

A quick and easy way to thicken stew is to stir some leftover mashed potatoes into the broth.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 (2-pound) chuck roast
• 1 (10 ½-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
• 1 (10 ¾-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 4 cups water
• 1 ½ (1-pound) bags frozen soup vegetables, thawed
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar

Trim the fat from the roast and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add to the slow cooker along with the soups and water; stir to mix. Add the vegetables and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir in vinegar (as a flavor-enhancer) if desired.