Beef Bourguignon

Name: Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients: 8 ounces bacon, coarsely chopped; 3 pounds well-trimmed boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes (from 7-bone chuck roast); 1/3 cup all purpose flour; 1 1/4 pounds boiling onions, peeled; 3/4 pound large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces; 12 large garlic cloves, peeled (left whole); 3 cups canned beef broth; 1/2 cup Cognac or brandy; 2 750-ml bottles red Burgundy wine; 1 1/4 pounds mushrooms; 1/3 cup chopped fresh thyme or 2 tablespoons dried; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon tomato paste