Making Beef Bourguignon–Style Stew involves several key steps to build flavor and ensure a delicious outcome. Follow these instructions carefully:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Sear the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Brown the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In the same pot, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, heat the drippings, and brown the beef in batches until all sides are browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the remaining drippings, add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
5. Stir in Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well, cooking for an additional minute to toast the flour.
6. Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the red wine and beef stock while stirring constantly, scraping off any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, browned beef, and reserved bacon.
8. Season: Add thyme, bay leaves, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Simmer: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender.
10. Add Mushrooms: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the mushrooms, covering the pot again to finish cooking.
11. Final Adjustments: Once tender, taste and adjust seasoning again if necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
12. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color just before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating a delicious Beef Bourguignon–Style Stew that your friends and family will love.