**Classic French Beef Stew and Mushrooms**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley)
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Directions:**
1. **Prepare Ingredients:**
– Cut the beef chuck into 2-inch pieces. Chop the bacon, onion, and garlic. Slice the carrots. Quarter the mushrooms.
2. **Cook Bacon:**
– In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.
3. **Brown Beef:**
– Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown in the same pot in batches. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
4. **Cook Vegetables:**
– In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. **Thicken Sauce:**
– Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat, scraping the bottom of the pot.
6. **Combine Ingredients:**
– Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add tomato paste and bouquet garni. Pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
7. **Sauté Mushrooms:**
– In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms in a bit of oil until golden. Add to the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. **Serve:**
– Remove bouquet garni. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
**Nutritional Information (per serving):**
– Calories: 540 kcal
– Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
– Servings: 6 servings