Here’s a recipe for a comforting Beef Stew with Bacon:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Brown the Beef
   Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. In the same pot, add the beef in batches and brown it on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add Flour and Deglaze
   Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir until it’s well combined. This will help thicken the stew. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring to deglaze the pot.

5. Simmer
   Add the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 1 ½ hours.

6. Add Vegetables
   Add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms (if using) to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, and the beef is fully cooked.

7. Season and Serve
   Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your hearty Beef Stew with Bacon!