Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes

This classic French beef stew is the ultimate cold weather comfort food. After a few hours in the oven, the meat becomes meltingly tender and enveloped in a rich wine sauce. 🧑‍🍳 INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds boneless beef chuck (well-marbled), cut into 1½-inch pieces 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium yellow onions, cut into 1-inch chunks 7 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1½ tablespoons tomato paste ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups dry red wine 2 cups beef broth 2 cups water 1 bay leaf ½ teaspoon dried thyme 1½ teaspoons sugar 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks on a diagonal