1. Over medium heat, brown bacon in a large dutch oven until crisp. Add beef, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is cooked through.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 2-3 hrs, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
3. Alternatively, you can let simmer for 1 hr, then let cool, refrigerate overnight and finish cooking the next day.