Crockpot beef stew

Adapted from old beef stew recipe and Cook's Country crockpot beef stew recipe

brown, in oil for about 8 minutes:
1 lb. beef, cut into pieces
(optional: mushrooms)

Put in crockpot.
Fry until tender:
1 onion, chopped
garlic, minced
about half a can of tomato paste

Put in crockpot.
Add:
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
2 tbs. soy sauce
3 carrots, cut up
1 potato, cut up
1 stalk celery,cut up
1/2 lb. green beans, chopped
about half a bag of frozen peas
(optional: 1 cup lentils)
thyme
tiny amount of cinnamon
oregano
basil
2 tbs. tapioca
2 bay leaves

Cook on low for 10-11 hours or on high for 6-7 hours.