Beef Oven Stew

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb. lean boneless beef, cut in 1-inch cubes (thick round steak is good for this)
• 12 oz. small white onions
• 4 large carrots, quartered
• 6 oz. small fresh mushrooms, trimmed
• 3 large ribs celery, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 c. tomato juice
• 1/2 c. dry red wine or water
• 1/4 c. quick cooking tapioca
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 small bay leaves
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 tsp. pepper