Oven Baked Stew over Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes

I can't for sure, but I think I've done and gone to Heaven:)  If you like beef stew you have to try this recipe.  The best part is it is so easy, just throw some ingredients in the dish, pop it in the oven, and go do your nails, pop in some laundry or if your feeling particular carefree and wild, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and put up your feet and relax!

You will need:

For Stew:
1 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes
1 Cup of Water
3 Tablespoons of quick cooking tapioca
1 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of pepper
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 onion, sliced or diced whatever you prefer
4 carrots, sliced
2 stalks of celery
2 pounds of stew beef
One slice of bread cubed

For Potatoes:
5 1bs. of red potatoes
4 oz of smoked Gouda (you could use cheddar, but it would be a crime against humanity)
(whatever other things you use to make mashed potatoes the way you like...Just throw the cheese in).

In a 3 Qt. casserole combine first 6 ingredients.  Mix together.  Add the rest of the ingredients stirring to combine.  Bake at 375 for 1 1/2-2 hours, until meat is tender...I did mine a full two hours just so everything kind of "meshed" together.

About 45 minutes before the stew is done, put your potatoes on to cook.  When they are done drain and fix them however you like your potatoes best.  I use half and half, butter, season salt and white pepper.  Just throw the Gouda cheese in while they are mixing.

Put a generous helping of potatoes in a bowl and ladle stew over the top.  My family loved this, even the kids.  The smoked Gouda lends a slightly smoky flavor to the potatoes that makes this meal over the top FaNtAsTiC!  Pure comfort food!