Prepare your crock pot by giving it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or lining it for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry onion soup mix and paprika.
Add the beef stew meat to the bowl, and toss until all the meat is well coated with the soup mix and paprika.
Place the coated beef into the bottom of the crock pot.
Add the diced potatoes, baby carrots, and chopped yellow onion on top of the beef.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of celery soup and ketchup (or tomato sauce) until smooth.
Pour the soup and ketchup mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until both the meat and vegetables are fork-tender.
Give the stew a gentle stir before serving, and enjoy!
