Crock Pot Beef Stew

1 lb stew beef, cut into bite-size pieces

2 or 3 baking potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces

2 cups baby carrots

1 can French onion soup OR one pkg French onion soup mix

1 32oz. carton of beef broth or stock

1 bay leaf

Put beef, potatoes, carrots, bay leaf and broth in crock pot.  Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 10-12 hours.  Optional: To thicken the stew, mix corn starch into milk or water and add to crock pot for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.