Beef Stew with Potatoes

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