Makes enough for 4 good portions

• 500g diced casserole beef
• 12 shallots
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 330ml beer (I prefer a dark ale, or Guinness)
• 2 onions
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 slices of streaky bacon, or 80g smoked pancetta
• salt and pepper to season

1. This recipe is designed for a slow cooker, but there's no real reason why it wouldn't work in a good pan on a stove top
2. Slice onions into half moons
3. Dice the garlic
4. Fry the shallots in a little oil in a big frying pan until they take on a little colour
5. Put shallots into slow cooker
6. In the same pan, get it hot, then add the beef and sear
7. Add the flour and mix through
8. Pour in the beer and bring to the boil
9. Pour the whole lot into the slow cooker
10. Give the frying pan a wipe if required, add a little more oil
11. Fry the bacon / pancetta until golden
12. Add the onion and garlic
13. Fry for a minute or so then add to the slow cooker
14. Season the mix in the slow cooker (be generous)
15. Cover and leave for 5 hours
16. Serve with crusty bread