Ingredients: 
4 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 
4 bacon slices, chopped 
2 medium onions, chopped 
3 garlic cloves, finely minced 
1 teaspoon dried thyme 
1 bay leaf 
5 1/2 cups beef broth, divided use 
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with added puree 
6 medium carrots, peeled, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces 
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 
3 tablespoons cornstarch 
Parsley Dumplings (recipe follows)