Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy based pot that's oven safe. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Add the stewing beef in batches and brown well on all sides. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef. I did 3 batches, but depends on the size of your pot.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, carrot, pearl onions and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the mushrooms then sprinkle the flour over. Stir and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Add the beef and bacon back to the pot.

Step 5

Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme and stir. Bring to a boil.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 325 F degrees while you're bringing the stew to a boil.

Step 7

Cover the pot with a lid, place in the oven and cook for 2 1/2 hours stirring every hour.

Step 8

Serve over cooked noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.