2 lb. beef for stew, cut in 1 1/2" pieces
2 med. onions, cut in eighths
3 stalks celery, cut in diagonal pieces
4 med. carrots, cut in half crosswise & lengthwise
1 c. tomato juice
1/3 c. quick cooking tapioca
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. basil
2 med. size red potatoes, cut in slices 1/4" thick