Beer - Braised Beef

Today's recipe comes from "Simple and Delicious" magazine. We really like it and it is very easy. This is a crock pot recipe, so plan ahead.

3 bacon strips, diced
2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion cut into wedges
1 tsp minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1 can (12 oz) beer
1 tbls soy sauce
1 tbls worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tbls flour
1/4 c water
Hot cooked noodles

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, discarding drippings. Sprinkle beef with pepper and salt. In the same skillet brown beef in oil. Transfer to a 5qt slow cooker.

Add the bacon, onion, garlic and bay leaf. In a small bowl, combine the beer, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce and thyme. Pour over the beef mixture. Cover and cook on low for 5 1/2 to 6 hours or until the meat is tender.

In a small bowl, combine flour and water until smooth. Gradually stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaf. Serve beef over noodles. Yield 8 servings.