Baked Beef Stew

Baked beef stew is shown with cheesy garlic bread.

2 cans (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 c water
2 c beef broth
6 Tbsp quick-cooking tapioca
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 1/2 lbs lean beef stew meat, cut into 1" cubes
8 med carrots, cut into 1" chunks
6-7 med potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
4 celery ribs, cut into 1/2" chunks
1 med onion, cut into chunks
2 slices of bread, cubed

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, water, broth, tapioca, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Put the rest of the ingredients into a greased ovenproof Dutch oven or med roasting pan. Pour tomato mixture on top and stir to mix well. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1 3/4 to 2 hrs or til meat and veggies are tender, stirring occasionally. Serve in bowls. Makes 8-10 servings.