Why you should try beef stew with bacon
Beef Stew with Bacon combines two types of meat for extra depth and texture. The fat from the bacon adds a smoky note that complements the rich beef stock. It is a filling dinner that tastes even better the next day after the flavours have settled. You only need one large pot to make this satisfying meal for the whole family.
How to cook beef stew with bacon
Brown the meat: Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside but keep the fat in the pan. Brown the beef chunks in batches until they are dark on all sides then remove them as well.
Soften vegetables: Add the onions and carrots to the same pot and cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute. The vegetables will pick up all the tasty bits left from the meat.
Make the sauce: Stir the flour into the vegetables and cook for a minute to remove the raw taste. Add the tomato puree followed by the red wine and beef stock. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the flavour into the liquid.
Simmer the stew: Put the beef and bacon back into the pot and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil then turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let the Beef Stew with Bacon simmer gently for two hours until the meat is tender.
The best tips for beef stew with bacon
Choosing the right cut of meat is important for a good Beef Stew with Bacon. Look for beef chuck or braising steak because these cuts become very soft during long cooking. Make sure to brown the beef in small batches so the meat fries rather than steams. If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking you can simmer it without a lid for a few minutes.
Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can give the gravy more depth. You can also add potatoes directly to the pot during the last forty minutes of cooking. This makes it a complete meal in one pot. Always check the seasoning before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
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