Preheat oven to 325° F. Trim fat and cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
Spray a roasting pan or large dutch oven with cooking spray. Must be oven-safe.
Place the beef into the bottom of the pan.
Next, top with onion,celery, water chestnuts, carrots, and potatoes in the order listed.
Top with minced garlic, pepper, and thyme.
Mix the salt, sugar, and tapioca together and sprinkle over top of everything.
Pour in tomato juice and water.
Bake, tightly covered, for 4 hours or until the meat is fork tender.