Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 pounds beef chuck, cubed into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 medium yellow onion, chopped medium
3 carrots, peeled and chopped fine
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup brown mushrooms, sliced
2 cups beef stock
1 cup Guinness
Salt and pepper
1 package puff pastry

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, thyme, and flour. Rub the spice mixture onto the beef. Heat the oil in a pan over med-high heat. Sauté the beef for 5 minutes, then add garlic and yellow onion. When onions are translucent, add carrots and sauté for 3 minutes. Next, add parsley, tomato, and mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes. Add stock, Guinness, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. In 8 (6 oz) ramekins or one large baking dish, fill with beef stew and cover with puff pastry. Bake 10 minutes or until browned.