Make Ahead Beef Bourguignon

Name: Make Ahead Beef Bourguignon
Ingredients: * 4 slice applewood bacon, thick cut; * 4 pound boneless beef stew meat, trimmed of excess fat; * 2 teaspoon kosher salt; * 1 teaspoon black pepper; * 1 large onion, finely chopped; * 4 medium clove garlic, minced; * 2 cup burgundy or other good quality dry red wine*; * 1/4 cup flour; * 1/4 cup tomato paste; * 3 cup beef broth; * 2 bay leaf; * 1 sprig rosemary; * 2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaf; * 1 pound carrot; * 1 pound fresh mushroom, sliced in 1/2 - i like crimini (baby; portobello) mushroom; * 1 12-ounce bag frozen pearl onion; * 1 10-ounce bag tiny frozen pea; * fresh thyme sprig