Beef N Brew Vegetable Soup

3 medium onions, sliced
1 lb carrots, cut into 1/2" slices
4 parsnips, cut into 1/2" slices
2 bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBS snipped fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp pepper
2 TBS quick cooking tapioca
1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1" cubes
1 14 1/2 oz can beef broth
1 12 oz can beer
In a 5 or 6 quart crockpot, place onions, carrots, parsnips, garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and pepper. Sprinkle with tapioca. Place meat on top of vegetables. Add beef broth and beer.

Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. To serve, remove bay leaves; if using fresh thyme, stir in now.