Down Home Beef Stew

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 pounds beef stew meat
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
3 celery ribs, sliced
2 cups tomato juice
1 cup water
1/3 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Place the potatoes in a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with the beef, carrots, onions and celery. in a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.

Pour over the vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hours or until vegetables and beef are tender. Makes 8-10 servings.