Super Bowl Sunday Stew

1 pound beef stew, 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter
30 ounces canned tomato juice
30 ounces canned tomatoes, chopped coarsely
5 celery stalks leaves included, chopped small
2 carrots, peeled (cut in rounds or quarters)
2 onions, peeled and sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra, cut
3 to 4 tablespoons barley
3 cubes beef bouillon
16 ounces canned corn or 10 ounces frozen corn
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt (optional)
6 to 8 stalks parsley, finely chopped
Water, as needed
1 pinch cayenne (optional)
12 black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Saut