THICK AND HEARTY SOUTHWESTERN BEEF STEW

Thick and Hearty Southwestern Beef Stew image

Provided by Kelly Williams

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 20

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2 1/2-3 lb chuck, arm or blade roast, trim all fat, cut into large bite-sized pieces (i usually use chuck, though i've also used these other cuts and they work just fine, too)
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp butter flavored crisco
2 onions, diced large
28 oz can stewed tomatoes with the juice, i use del monte original
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 large bay leaf, or 2 smaller ones
10 3/4 oz can beef broth
1/4 tsp cayenne powder, can add more but be careful! start with this amount ;)
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp sugar
4 carrots peeled and sliced thickly, or about 16-20 baby carrots cut into thirds or fourths if larger
4-5 medium-sized red or yukon gold potatoes unpeeled and diced large bite-sized
11 oz can corn, drained, i ususally use white shoepeg (del monte is best)
1-2 Tbsp cornstarch, *optional to thicken to preference
1-2 Tbsp cold water, *optional to thicken to preference

Steps:

1. In large ziplock baggie or large mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and salt. Add meat and shake/toss til all is coated. In large heavy-bottomed pot that has a lid, brown meat over med-high heat in the 4 tbsp Crisco. Add next 8 ingredients, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring only occasionally, til meat is tender. Add carrots and potatoes, recover and simmer another 25-30 minutes or til tender. Add corn, heat through. Remove bay leaf, or, leave it in there and whoever happens to get it has to do the dishes! ;). *Can add or sub peas and/or green beans if desired. You can also add 1 rib of celery, sliced, at the same time you add the potatoes and carrots if desired. **If you like it on the thick side like we do, just mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with equal amount of cold water (I use 2 TbL. each), stir into pot while simmering to thicken even more. Simmer, stirring, for several minutes. Do this at the very end. Stir gently so you don't wreck the green beans if added. Some like it thin, though. So just make to your own preference.
2. Serve with warm crusty french bread for sopping. Enjoy!! :D