5 lb. stewing beef
8 med. potatoes, cut into chunks
4 med. onions
4 c. coarsely sliced carrots
2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. tapioca; optional
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. salt; optional
2 cans undiluted tomato soup
1/2 can water
Bay leaves

Mix all ingredients together in deep pan and bake, covered, at 250 degrees for 5 hours.