2# of stew meat (or cubed boneless chuck roast)
6-7 med potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
2 med sweet onions – cut into 1 or 2" wedges
8 large carrots- cut into 1" pieces (or 1# baby carrots cut in half)
4-5 ribs of celery- cut into 1" pieces
6-8 oz sliced mushrooms if desired
1/3 cup quick cooking tapioca
2 or 3 bay leaves
3 cups of beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon pepper

In 4 qt or larger roasting pan or Dutch oven – layer all ingredients and pour broth over.

Cover and bake at 300 for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Stir after 1st hour and every 45 minutes until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.