I lighten it by cooking, then cooling, then skimming fat off before reheating to serve.

Beef stew meat (frozen)
Potatoes (Peeled and chunked)
Carrots (sliced)
Celery (sliced)
Beef base (to taste)
Bay leaves (2-3)

put all ingredients in crockpot with water to the top. Cook on low overnight (or all day). If cook overnight, cool in fridge during day and then skim fat off top before reheating for supper.