Place flour in a plastic bag, then add the meat cubes a few at a time, shaking to coat the meat with the flour,

In a large pan brown the meat in small batches in hot oil, drain off the fat

Meanwhile in the bottom of a 4 quart crockpot, potatoes, carrots, celery and onion.

Sprinkle with prolonged granules, garlic, basil, and thyme; add the meat.

Pour vegetable juice over the meat

Cover and cook on low heat setting the 7 to 8 hours or on high heat setting 3 1/2 to 4 hours is or until meat and vegetables are tender