In a large kettle or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain. Drain all but 3 tablespoons drippings.
Brown stew meat in the drippings.
Add onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft.
Return bacon to kettle.
Add all the remaining ingredients except kidney beans and cheese.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
Cover and simmer until beef is tender, about 3-4 hours.
Add beans and heat through.
Top each serving with cheese.