Julia Child beef bourguignon question

I agree the original instructions are unclear, but "return the beef and bacon to [the casserole]" implies that the "beef and bacon" includes the other ingredients cooked in the casserole - the onion and carrot. Sometimes recipes refer to mixtures by their predominant ingredients, and this recipe seems to do this, albeit a little vaguely.

Looking at similar techniques, while onion could be used to impart flavor and then removed, there isn't really a good reason to add carrot if it will be removed later. Unless browned, carrots don't tend to add much flavor after removed.

The instructions also say, "Pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan." This would include the sliced carrots and onions, and sliced vegetables should be large enough so as to not pass through a sieve, so it shouldn't be much of a hassle to separate them from the sauce.

Here is where I found the recipe online.

I can't say exactly what she meant and wondered the same thing. I assumed that the carrot and onion were to be (mostly) removed.

When I move the beef and lardons back to the casserole, I generally flick off the pieces of carrot and onion without being anal about it. Thus, there are usually a few pieces transferred back.

I have yet to receive any complaints and it tastes terrific, so I don't think it's too significant.