In a large skillet brown meat, a third at a time, in hot oil. Drain off fat.
In a 3-1/2- 4-, or 5-quart crockery cooker place carrots, parsnips, onion, celery, and, if using, gingerroot. Sprinkle tapioca over vegetables. Add meat.
Combine undrained tomatoes, vinegar, molasses, salt, pepper, and, if using, ground ginger; pour over meat.
Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 9 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Stir in raisins; cover and cook for 30 minutes more.
To serve, remove slice of gingerroot (if using) before serving.