🍲 Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms 🍲

A Warm Embrace for Your Taste Buds on Chilly Evenings

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️

- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb mushrooms, quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley)
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Once done, remove the bacon and set aside.
2. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Using the same pot, brown the beef in batches to ensure each piece is seared perfectly. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Mix in the tomato paste and add the bouquet garni. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook gently for about 2 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before the stew is finished, sauté the mushrooms in a bit of oil until golden, then add them to the stew. Continue simmering until everything is tender and flavorful.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎

- Calories: 540 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Proteins: 35g
- Fats: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡

- For a richer flavor, consider using a splash of red wine along with the beef broth.
- Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

⏳ Preparation time 🕰️

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Serving: 6

This Classic French Beef Stew with Mushrooms is the perfect comfort food to gather around the table for a fulfilling family meal. Enjoy the deep, rich flavors that only get better as they simmer!