Prepare Ingredients: Begin by chopping the bacon, vegetables, and beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Season the beef generously with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and all-purpose flour, tossing until coated. This step creates a lovely crust later on. Set everything aside on a cutting board for easy access as you cook.

Cook Bacon: In a large, oven-proof pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This will render the fat needed for added flavor in the stew. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.

Brown Beef: In the same pot, add the seasoned beef stew meat in batches, browning each side for about 3-4 minutes. If the pot seems dry, add a bit more olive oil. Make sure to create a nice caramelized crust on the beef; this deepens the flavor of your classic beef stew. Remove the browned beef and set aside after achieving a rich brown color.

Deglaze Pot: Pour in a cup of dry red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot—this is where much of the flavor lies. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Next, toss in the mushrooms, letting them mingle with the wine for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the rich flavors.

Sauté Veggies: In a separate skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped carrots, onions, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly. Stir in the sautéed vegetables into the pot with beef and mushrooms, creating a flavorful base for your classic beef stew.

Combine & Bake: Pour in the low sodium beef broth, then add the reserved bacon, bay leaves, dried thyme, and small potatoes. Stir everything together gently, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender and inviting.

Final Touch: Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Skim off any excess fat from the surface for a healthier classic beef stew, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving, creating a comforting dish that warms both heart and home.