CARNE GUISADA - SLOW COOKER (MEXICAN BEEF STEW)

Carne Guisada - Slow Cooker (Mexican Beef Stew) image

Provided by Vickie Parks

Time 8h15m

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 to 2 1/2 lb beef stew meat (or beef chuck roast or beef bottom roast, cut into 1-inch pieces)
4 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt taste
1 tsp black pepper
1 large white onion, peeled and cut into chunks
1 large bell pepper, deseeded and chopped (any color - green, orange, yellow or red)
1 or 2 large fresh jalapeño peppers, deseeded and diced
5 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp chili powder (or to taste - using sparingly, as it increases in heat over time)
3/4 tsp dried oregano (use mexican oregano, if you can find it)
4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 3/4 c low-sodium chicken broth
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 bay leaves
FOR SERVING (OPTIONAL SIDES AND GARNISHES)
1 pkg tortillas (corn or flour, your choice)
1 c crumbled queso cotija (or other mexican cheese)
1/2 c chopped cilantro
3 stalk(s) green onion (scallions), sliced

Steps:

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over high heat. Add half of the meat in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear on one side (about 5 minutes).
2. Transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker along with remaining un-seared meat.
3. In same skillet, add 2 more teaspoons oil, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring and scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, until vegetables are tender, 5 minutes.
4. Add cumin, chili powder, oregano, and flour; cook 1 minute continuously stirring.
5. Slowly pour broth into skillet, stirring until liquid is smooth, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Simmer 2 minutes.
6. Transfer mixture to slow cooker, along with tomatoes and bay leaves. Taste, and add more salt and pepper, if desired.
7. Cover and cook on Low heat setting for 8 to 10 hours. Alternatively, this can be prepared on a stovetop in a Dutch oven simmering over low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Or it can be baked in an oven at 325°F for 3 to 4 hours.
8. Served the stew immediately, with a few corn tortillas for dipping or rolling in. Garnish servings (as desired) with crumbled queso cotija, chopped cilantro, or chopped green onions, if desired.