French Country Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 pounds beef for stew, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups water
• 1 package (.9 to 1.68 ounces) dry vegetable soup mix
• 1 pound asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 pound baby red-skinned potatoes, cut into quarters
• 8 ounces mushrooms, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper