French Onion Beef Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lb. beef stewing meat, cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium onions, cut in quarters
3 stalks celery, cut in large pieces
4 carrots, quartered
2 c. tomato juice
1/3 c. quick cooking tapioca
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. basil
2 medium potatoes (in slices, 1/4-inch thick)

Preparation

Note:
The vegetables are cut in large pieces so they won't overcook while the beef cubes are stewing to tenderness.
Quick cooking tapioca, added at the beginning, disappears, yet thickens the liquid to a transparent gravy while the stew is cooking.