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)
Directions
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.














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By leandersen
on January 03, 2012
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This is the best recipe that I have ever tried. I have made it several times usually to host a dinner party. I own a restaurant and I am thinking of adding it to the menu. Tweeked it a bit to my liking (ie didn't like the carrots added and used regular onions but it can be added as a sauce to any cut of meat.
By pattyjimroarias
Miami, Florida
on September 23, 2011
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Beautiful. Delicious. Spectacular! Ina, you are a genius...and "our" Barefoot Contessa!
By lauren.quinn213
on September 13, 2011
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This recipe is great! I had to tweak it just a tiny bit since I decided to go with a cheaper cut of beef. I used sirloin instead of filet of beef. I used a full carton of beef stock, and 3 cups of chianti. I put the beef in following the vegetables, and cooked it for about 30 minutes (at least. I decided it wasn't cooking like I wanted, so I took the steaks out and cut them into chunks, and put them back in to soak up some of the juice. I cooked it for about another 30-45 minutes (had to reduce longer due to the added amount of liquid. I had to double up on the butter and flour thickener since I had much more liquid.
This was great for supper the first time, but I ate it 3 times the next day because the leftovers were SO GOOD! My family couldn't get over how delicious it was the next day. The beef and sauce became so rich and decadent. You could also use the leftovers to make a delicious beef pie or puff pastry. YUMMMM!
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