HALF TIME LUNCH RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes. Add chuck and sauté until brown, breaking up meat with back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano and thyme. Stir 2 minutes. Mix in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, beer and tomato paste. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

Steps:

• In Dutch oven, place beef, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Combine water and tomato paste; pour over beef mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
• Cover tightly and simmer 1 3/4 to 2 hours or until beef is tender.
• Remove beef from cooking liquid; cool slightly.
• Meanwhile skim fat from cooking liquid, if necessary.
• Trim and discard excess fat from cooked beef.
• Shred beef with 2 forks.
• In Dutch oven, combine 2 cups cooking liquid, steak sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Add shredded beef; mix well.
• Continue to cook until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
• Place equal amounts of beef mixture on bottom half of each bun.
• Sprinkle with green onions and close with top half of bun.
• Serve with additional steak sauce, if desired.
• Makes 12 servings (serving size: 1 sandwich).