Easy Oven Beef Stew

This is an easy meal with healthy vegetables and lean meat that is all cooked in one pot with no sauteing onions or browning meat. Just cut up the vegetables and meat and throw it all in a pot. It makes a tasty wintertime stew that warms your insides, as you are going back for seconds. Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean, boneless top sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 celery ribs with leaves, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 medium carrots, peeled and cut 1-inch pieces
1 pound small red potatoes, cut in half
2 medium yellow onions, cut into chucks
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup minute tapioca (this will thicken the stew)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried basil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) diced Italian tomatoes with juice

Directions:

Preheat oven 325 degrees F.

In a large Dutch oven, stir beef broth, tapioca, salt, pepper, basil, garlic and tomatoes until combined.

Add beef, celery, carrots, onions and potatoes folding and stirring to make sure everything is coated.

Cover and put in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until meat and vegetables are tender. Enjoy!