1	lb.	boneless beef round steak, cut 1 inch thick
4	oz.	spicy fresh bratwurst or other sausage, cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices
1	tbsp.	cooking oil
1	small	onion, sliced and separated into rings
1	tsp.	dried thyme, crushed
2	tbsp.	quick-cooking tapioca
1/4	tsp.	salt
1/4	tsp.	pepper
1	can	chunky tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and spices (141/2 oz.)
2	cup	hot cooked noodles or rice
		fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Trim fat from meat. Cut meat into 4 serving-size pieces. Brown meat and sausage in hot oil in a skillet. In a 31/2 or 4 quart electric crockery cooker place onion. Sprinkle with thyme, tapioca, salt, and pepper. Pour undrained tomatoes over vegetables. Add meat. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours. Serve with noodles or rice. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

Makes 4 servings