Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon

In 7-quart Dutch oven or stockpot, heat oil over high heat. Pat beef dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Place beef in Dutch oven, working in batches if necessary as to not overcrowd Dutch oven, and cook 4 to 6 minutes, searing all sides of beef. Transfer to plate.

Add carrots and onion to Dutch oven, and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until onions and carrots are lightly browned and slightly tender, scraping brown bits up from bottom as they cook. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute longer, stirring frequently. Add wine, beef broth and thyme to Dutch oven, and stir until well combined.

Place broth mixture in 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; add beef and bacon to slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low heat setting about 8 hours or High heat setting 4 to 5 hours or until beef is very tender. Spoon into bowls to serve. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

Freezer Directions: Make as directed through step 2. Place beef in gallon-size plastic freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air, and seal. Place broth mixture and bacon in gallon-size plastic freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air, and seal. Place bags flat to freeze. When ready to cook, thaw bags overnight in refrigerator. Place in 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; cover and cook on Low heat setting about 8 hours or High heat setting 4 to 5 hours or until beef is very tender. Garnish with fresh thyme.