Ingredients

1 (3-pound) filet of beef, trimmed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning plus 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2
teaspoon pepper
3 to 4 tablespoons good olive oil
1/4 pound bacon, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups good dry red wine, such as Burgundy or Chianti
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 sprig fresh thyme
1/2 pound pearl onions, peeled

8 to 10 carrots, cut diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick (domestic or wild)

Instructions

With a sharp knife, cut the fillet crosswise into
1-inch-thick slices. Salt and pepper the fillets on both sides. In a large, heavy-bottomed
pan on medium-high heat, saute the slices of beef in batches with 2 to 3 tablespoons oil
until browned on the outside and very rare inside, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside on a platter.

In the same pan, saute the bacon on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, until browned and
crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Drain all the fat, except 2 tablespoons, from
the pan. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Deglaze the pan with the red wine and cook on high heat for 1 minute, scraping the bottom
of the pan. Add the beef stock, tomato paste, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon

pepper. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered on medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Strain the
sauce and return it to the pan. Add the onions and carrots and simmer uncovered for 20 to
30 minutes, until the sauce is reduced and the vegetables are cooked.

With a fork mash 2 tablespoons butter and the flour into a paste and whisk it gently into
the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.

Meanwhile, saute the mushrooms separately in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil for
about 10 minutes, until browned and tender.

Add the fillet of beef slices, the mushrooms, and the bacon to the pan with the vegetables
and sauce. Cover and reheat gently for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not over cook. Season, to
taste, and serve immediately.