1-Cook the bacon in a large oven: Cook the bacon in a large oven safe saucepan (dutch oven), over medium heat, before setting aside.
2-Season the beef with salt and pepper: Season the beef with salt and pepper and sear/brown in the bacon grease, over medium-high heat, in the pan, about 4-6 minutes per side, before setting aside.
3-Add the onion, carrot, and celery and: Add the onion, carrot, and celery and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
4-Add the garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
5-Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary,: Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and bacon, and mix before adding the beef.
6-Either: Either: (1) bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the beef is falling apart tender, about 2-4 hours; OR (2) cover, transfer to a preheated to 275F/140C oven and cook until falling apart tender, about 2-4 hours; OR (3) transfer to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
7-Season with salt and pepper to taste,: Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove the bay leaves, and enjoy!