French Oven Stew

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb. lean beef, cut in 1-inch chunks
• 2 oz. small white onion *
• 4 large carrots, quartered crosswise
• 6 oz. fresh mushrooms *
• 3 large ribs celery, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 c. tomato juice
• 1/2 c. dry red wine
• 1/4 c. quick cooking tapioca
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 small bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp. basil
• 1/4 tsp. pepper or to taste