-
1
To marinate the beef, place the cubes in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl.
-
2
Add the wine, carrot, celery and onion.
-
3
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
-
4
Line both a baking sheet and a large plate with paper towels.
-
5
With a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the marinade and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
-
6
Pat the meat dry with paper towels.
-
7
Strain the marinade, reserving separately both the vegetables and the liquid.
-
8
To cook the beef, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
9
Add the bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes.
-
10
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to the prepared plate to drain.
-
11
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet.
-
12
Decrease the heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of the canola oil and heat until shimmering.
-
13
Season the beef with salt and pepper.
-
14
Add the beef to the skillet in two or three batches (don't crowd the pan) and sear until it is nicely browned on all sides, about 5 minutes; transfer to the prepared baking sheet when done.
-
15
Set aside.
-
16
Add the reserved vegetables from the beef marinade to the skillet and cook until they start to brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
-
17
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and toss again to lightly coat.
-
18
Cook, stirring constantly, until the flour turns brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
-
19
Transfer the vegetables and beef to the insert of a slow cooker.
-
20
Add the reserved marinade liquid and enough stock to barely cover the meat.
-
21
Add the bouquet garni, tomato paste and garlic and stir to combine.
-
22
Cover and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.
-
23
(Alternatively, you can cook the stew without a slow cooker: Instead of cooking the bacon and beef in a skillet, simply start in a large Dutch oven and do not transfer the vegetables and beef.
-
24
Cover the Dutch oven and place in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F until the meat is tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.)
-
25
Remove and discard the bouquet garni.
-
26
Add the mushrooms and continue to cook until tender, about 30 minutes.
-
27
Stir in the reserved bacon.
-
28
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
-
29
Serve piping hot with noodles, potatoes or rice.
-
30
Or, better yet, cool, refrigerate and reheat to serve the next day.