Beer-Braised Beef

Suggested Piece: 12" Gourmet Chef Skillet & Multipurpose 5 Qt.

Ingredients
3 bacon strips
2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1 onion (#3 cone)
1 tsp. garlic (#1 cone)
1 bay leaf
1 can (12 oz.) beer
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. thyme, dried
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. water

Directions
In large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, discarding drippings. Sprinkle beef with pepper and salt. In the MP5, brown beef over medium-high heat. Add the bacon, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. In a small bowl, combine the beer, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Pour over beef mixture. Cover and cook over medium heat until Vapo-Valve clicks, then reduce temperature to low. Cook over low heat until meat is tender. In small bowl, combine flour and water until smooth. Gradually stir into MP5. Cover and cook on medium heat until thickened. Discard bay leaf. Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes.