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.

Fresh tomatoes
Garlic
Red onion
Portabella Mushrooms
Grilled red peppers
Parmesan cheese
Goat cheese

Bake at 400 for 8-10 min.