French Country Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 slices turkey bacon, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 1-inch-long strips lemon zest
• 3.5 Wholesome Farms Direct Source-Verified 1 lb. pack Stew Tenders
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley

Directions

1. Heat oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add bacon.
3. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned, stirring often.
4. Add onions, carrots, and celery.
5. Cook 8 to 10 minutes until softened and lightly browned, stirring often.
6. Add broth, wine, thyme, bay leaves, and lemon zest.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Place beef tenders in a 5-quart slow cooker.
9. Turn heat to high.
10. Pour the vegetable mixture over the beef.
11. Cover and cook 6 to 7 hours until beef is falling apart tender.
12. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a bowl.
13. Break meat into 2 to 3-inch chunks.
14. Cover and keep warm.
15. Discard the bay leaves and lemon zest from the sauce.
16. Skim the fat.
17. Pour sauce into a skillet.
18. Bring to a boil over high heat.
19. Boil about 20 minutes. Skim froth occasionally.
20. Season with pepper.
21. Add the beef and heat through.
22. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.