  | 
                            
                                    
                                    
                                        
                                            Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 15 Minutes Servings: 6  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
                              | 
                         
                        
                     
                    This stew is sure to warm up your family on even the coolest winter days. It is very hearty and goes well with a slice of homemade bread.Virginia Brown, Hudson, Florida Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                2 pounds beef stew meat  |  
                                                6 to 7 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces  |  
                                                2 medium onions, cut into wedges  |  
                                                8 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces  |  
                                                4 to 5 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces  |  
                                                1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained  |  
                                                1/3 cup quick-cooking tapioca  |  
                                                1-1/2 teaspoons salt  |  
                                                1 beef bouillon cube  |  
                                                1 teaspoon sugar  |  
                                                2 bay leaves  |  
                                                1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme  |  
                                                3 cups tomato juice  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. In a 4-qt. Dutch oven or baking dish, layer the first 12 ingredients; pour tomato juice over all. Cover and bake at 325° for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving. Yield: 6-8 servings.                              | 
                         
                         
                 |