Beef and Beer Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 strips bacon
• 2 pounds lean stew beef or round steak, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup whole small boiling onions, peeled, or use frozen thawed
• 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 2 teaspoons beef base or beef flavor granules
• 2 teaspoons Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master (browning sauce, usually located in the gravy section of supermarkets)
• 1/2 cup beer

Preparation: