About 2 lbs. beef or venison, cut into cubes
2 med. onions, cut in eighths
3 stalks celery, cut in diagonal pieces
4 med. carrots, sliced thick
1 c. tomato juice, V-8 or other tomato sauce
4-5 c. water
1/3 c. quick cooking tapioca
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
2 potatoes, sliced 1/4" thick
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. basil

Combine all ingredients, except potatoes in large pan. Cover and cook at 325 degrees for 3 1/2 hours. Add potatoes to stew the last hour and cook, uncovered. Stir occasionally. This is an easy, very tasty, stew. Thickness can be adjusted by varying amount of water used.