First, place onions, carrots, garlic, parsnips, mushrooms, tomato paste, beef, bacon, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Next, add the bay leaf, red wine, chicken stalk, and the thyme (tie up or put on top so it is easily fished out.
Now, cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Finally, add 2 tablespoon of butter, parsley and enjoy!