Contest-Winning Easy Oven Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes
• 1-1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional