Beef Carbonnade

Bubba and the crew love their beef, especially when it's grilled. Although they don't mind too much when it's not in the winter. Really, who wants to stand out in the cold and snow grilling? Even my "Manly Men" have their limits on what they are willing to endure to have grilled meat. So, a hot and savory pot of beef stew is a great antidote to a dark winter's evening. I serve this over egg noodles for an extra-cozy meal.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL
• 4 POUNDS WELL-TRIMMED BONELESS BEEF CHUCK, CUT INTO 1 1/2-INCH CHUNKS
• 3 TABLESPOONS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
• 1/2 TEASPOON SALT
• 1/4 TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
• 1 3/4 CUPS BEEF STOCK
• 2 LARGE ONIONS { 12 OUNCES EACH }, EACH CUT IN HALF AND THINLY SLICED
• 1 CLOVE GARLIC, CRUSHED
• 12 OUNCES DARK BEER
• 1/2 TEASPOON DRIED THYME
• 1 PACKAGE { 16 OUNCES } MEDIUM EGG NOODLES
• 1/2 CUP LOOSELY PACKED FRESH PARSLEY LEAVES, CHOPPED

Directions:

1. In a 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high until very hot. In a large bowl, combine beef chunks, flour, salt, and pepper; toss to coat beef evenly.
2. Add beef chunks to skillet in three batches, and cook 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until well browned on all sides, stirring occasionally and adding more oil if necessary. 
3. With a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a medium bowl once it is browned.
4. After all the beef is browned, add stock to skillet and heat to boiling over high heat, stirring  to loosen any browned bits. Boil 1 minute, stirring.
5. Meanwhile, in a 6 1/2-quart slow cooker bowl, stir together onions, garlic, beer, and thyme. Top with browned beef and any juices, plus stock mixture from skillet; do not stir. Cover slow cooker with lid, and cook on Low 8 hours.
6. About 20 minutes before beef mixture is done, prepare noodles as package directs.
7. Skim off any fat from cooking liquid in slow-cooker bowl.
8. To serve, divide noodles evenly among serving bowls; spoon beef mixture and sauce over noodles, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.

ACTIVE TIME: 30 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 8 HOURS ON LOW
MAKES: 10 MAIN-DISH SERVINGS