Crock Pot Beef and Beer Stew with Bacon

Ingredients

• 8 strips bacon
• 2 pounds stew beef, chuck or round, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 4 teaspoons beef base or beef flavor granules
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 1/2 beer

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large frying pan, until crispy.
2. Remove bacon to drain on paper towels, but leave drippings in pan.
3. Brown beef on all sides in bacon grease, and place in slow cooker.
4. Crumble bacon and dump on top of beef.
5. Add all remaining ingredients, and stir well to combine.
6. Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours, or high 4-5 hours.