Beef Bourguignon

1. 1

   Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 350℉.

2. 2

   Place 8 ounces chopped thick-cut bacon in a Dutch oven or other large heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is browned and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Pat 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast pieces dry with paper towels and season all over with 2 teaspoons of the kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper.

   10 min
3. 3

   When the bacon is ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer to a large bowl or plate.

4. 4

   Add half of the beef to the pot in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Use tongs to transfer to the bowl or plate with the bacon. Repeat with browning the remaining beef and transferring to the plate. The beef will not be cooked through.

   2 min
5. 5

   Add 1 diced large yellow onion and 1 chopped medium carrot to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook until darkened in color, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Stir to coat and cook for 1 minute to cook the floury taste out.

   3 min
6. 6

   Add 1 (750-ml) bottle dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add 1 cup low-sodium beef broth, 5 fresh thyme sprigs, 2 dried bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Return the beef, bacon, and any accumulated juices to the pot and stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a simmer.

7. 7

   Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook until the beef is very tender, about 2 hours.

   120 min
8. 8

   Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 ounces pearl onions, 8 ounces quartered cremini mushrooms, remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned all over, 12 to 15 minutes.

   12 min
9. 9

   Add the cooked onions and mushrooms to the pot and stir to combine. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired.

Recipe Notes

1. 10

   Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.