Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 3 lb. lean, boneless beef chuck, cubed
• 1 lb. carrots (10 medium), quartered crosswise
• 4 large ribs celery, trimmed and cut in 1-inch chunks
• 3 medium onions, peeled and quartered
• 12 oz. can small mushrooms or fresh
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (16 oz.)
• 2/3 c. dry red wine or water
• 1/2 c. beef broth
• 1/4 c. quick cooking tapioca
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. dried fine herbs or Italian herb seasoning
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 to 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp. pepper