Peppered Beef Soup

Prep : 20 minutes         Cook time : 6 hours

1                        (4-lb.) sirloin tip beef roast
1/2                      cup all-purpose flour
2                        tablespoons canola oil 
1                        medium-size red onion, thinly sliced 
6                        garlic cloves, minced
2                        large baking potatoes, peeled and diced 
1                       (16-oz.) package baby carrots
2                       (12-oz.) bottles lager beer* 
2                        tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2                        tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 
2                        tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1                        tablespoon beef bouillon granules
1-1/2 to 3          tsp. freshly ground pepper
4                        bay leaves
                                  **Salt to taste **
                            **Toasted Bread Bowls, optional**

1.          Rinse roast, and pat dry. Cut a 1-inch-deep cavity in the shape of an "X" on top of roast. (Do not cut all the way through roast.) Dredge roast in all-purpose flour; shake off excess.
2.         Cook roast in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
3.          Place roast in a 6-qt. slow cooker. Stuff cavity with sliced red onion and minced garlic; top roast with potatoes and baby carrots. Pour beer, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into slow cooker. Sprinkle with parsley, bouillon, and ground pepper. Add bay leaves to liquid in slow cooker.
4.         Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 8 hours or until fork-tender. Shred roast using two forks. Season with salt to taste. Serve in Toasted Bread Bowls, if desired.
TIP :
*3 cups low-sodium beef broth may be substituted.

Freeze leftovers in an airtight container up to three months. Add a bit of canned broth when reheating to reach desired consistency.