Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes – Revolution Barbecue

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 ½ teaspoons Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub, divided
• 2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.9-ounce) can dark beer (like Guinness)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock, or as needed to cover
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups mashed potatoes