Beef and Beer Potpie

2 T. olive oil
1 lb. boneless chuck roast, cut into 3/4" chunks
1 t. kosher salt
1 t. pepper
6 T. flour, divided
1 1/2 c. chopped leeks
1 c. chopped carrots
2 T. choppped fresh thyme (or 2 t. dried)
1/2 c. stout beer (like Guiness)
2 1/2 c. beef broth
1 c. chopped butternut squash
1/2 pkg. puff pastry]
1 egg, slightly beaten
1  T. water

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat the oil in 
a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Toss together the beef, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the flour in a medium bowl. Add to skillet; cook, stirring often, until the pieces are browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Add the leeks, carrots, and 1½ tablespoons of the thyme. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the beer; cook 1 minute, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Whisk together the stock and the remaining flour; add to the skillet and bring to a 
simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens, 30 to 35 minutes, adding the squash after 15 minutes.
2. Roll out the puff pastry gently into a 12-inch square. Place the pastry over 
the simmering beef mixture. Whisk together the egg and water; brush over the pastry. Cut several slits in the center of the pastry. Bake in oven until the 
pastry is golden brown, about 15 minutes. 

Family Favorite Beef Roast

This didn't come from my family, but another family of good cooks.  Thanks to my friend Stephanie Taylor for passing this one on.

3 – 4 lb. beef chuck or blade roast

Large onion

Carrots (as many as you want)

Sauce:

2 T. flour

4 T. brown sugar

2 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 C. ketchup

Mix sauce together and set aside.  Slice onion and cut carrots on the diagonal into large chunks (about 1 ½” in length).  Put thick aluminum foil in pan (may need two to overlap).  Put beef on foil.  Put onion and carrots on top.  Pour sauce over everything.  Seal foil.  Cook for 4 hrs at 350 degrees.  You can also do this in a crock pot on medium for 3 – 4 hours.  Potatoes can be added in the last hour.

Sliced Steak Soft Taco Sliders with Guaca-Salsa

This one came from Rachael Ray.  She is one of my favorite cooks, and she doesn't let us down with this tasty & flavorful dish!  It's extra good with fresh veggies & herbs from the garden.

STEAKS:

• 4 small flatiron steaks (6 to 7 oz. each) or 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs. flank steak, at room temperature
• Vegetable oil, for coating
• 1 tsp. ancho (mild) or chipotle (hot) chile powder
• 1 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning or salt and pepper

SAUCE:

• 1 large or 2 small ripe avocados, flesh scooped from the skin
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1 jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 2 tomatillos (or one small red tomato), peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, coarsely chopped
• a sprinkle sugar
• A generous sprinkle sea salt
• A small handful cilantro leaves
• A small handful fresh mint leaves
• A few sprigs thyme

TACOS:

• 8 flour tortillas (8 inch)
• All-natural cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high. Rub the steaks with oil, the chile powder and steak seasoning. Grill the steaks, tented loosely with foil, turning once, for 15 minutes for medium-rare. Remove from the heat and let rest.
2. Combine the sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until almost smooth.
3. Lightly spray the tortillas with cooking spray and char for a few seconds on each side on the grill or stovetop. To form each slider: Spread some sauce on each tortilla, top with very thinly sliced steak in an even layer and fold the tortilla into quarters.