3 c. Burgundy or Merlot wine
2 T. Cognac
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, chopped
1 sprig fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic, crushed
dash of pepper
2.5 pounds, chuck roast, cut into cubes
4 T. olive oil, divided
5 slices bacon, chopped
3 T. flour
1 T. tomato paste
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
3 T. butter
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1. For marinade: In a large bowl, combine the wine, cognac, onions, carrots, parsley, bay leaf, garlic, peppercorns and salt. Mix well and add the cubed beef. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
2. For Bourguignon: Strain the meat from the vegetables and marinade; reserve marinade. Dry meat with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the meat and saute for 10 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Transfer meat to a separate medium bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the bacon and saute until lightly browned. Transfer the bacon to the bowl with the meat. Drain the skillet and return it to the heat.
4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet. Add the flour and stir until well mixed and brown, about 2 minutes.
5. Now add the tomato paste, garlic, beef broth, reserved marinade and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and whisk to remove any flour lumps. Add this to the meat and vegetable mixture.
6. You can either bake the beef bourguignon in a 9×13 baking dish at 300 degrees F for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or you can put it in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
7. About 15 minutes before meat is done baking, melt butter in the skillet over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. When meat is done, add the mushrooms to the meat mixture, stir well and cook for another 10 minutes.
8. If using a slow cooker, the sauce may be a bit thin. If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the beef and vegetables with a slotted spoon. In a small bowl, whisk together a tablespoon or two of flour and some cold water. Turn slow cooker on high and whisk in flour and water. Whisk sauce until thickened. Add beef and vegetables, heat for a few minutes, then serve.
Serve with potatoes, noodles or rice.