Slow Cooker Beef Carbonnade

A delicious slow cooker meal. If the beef is not well trimmed when you buy it, purchase 5 pounds and cut away the excess fat yourself in order to yield 4 pounds of solid meat.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 10 cups

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 4  lbs boneless beef chuck, well-trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour
•  salt
•  pepper
• 1 3⁄4 cups beef broth
• 2  large onions, cut in half and thinly sliced
• 1  garlic clove, crushed with side of chef's knife
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle dark beer
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (16 ounce) bag  medium egg noodles
• 1⁄2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped and loosely packed

Directions

1. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil on medium-high until very hot.
2. In large bowl, combine beef chunks, flour, 1/2 t salt, and 1/4 t freshly ground black pepper; toss to coat beef evenly.
3. Add beef chunks to skillet in 3 batches, and cook 5-6 minutes per batch or until well browned on all sides, stirring occasionally and adding more oil if necessary.
4. With slotted spoon, transfer beef to medium bowl once it is browned.
5. After all beef is browned, add broth to skillet and heat to boiling on high, stirring to loosen any browned bits.
6. Boil 1 minute, stirring.
7. Meanwhile, in 6 to 6 1/2 quart slow cooker bowl, stir together sliced onions, garlic, beer and thyme.
8. Top with browned beef, any juices in bowl, and broth mixture from skillet; do not stir.
9. Cover slow cooker with lid, and cook as manufacturer directs on low setting for 8 hours.
10. About 20 minutes before beef mixture is done, prepare egg noodles as label directs.
11. To serve, skim and discard any fat from cooking liquid.
12. Divide noodles evenly among serving bowls; spoon beef mixture and sauce over noodles, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
13. Makes about 10 cups.