A hearty and flavorful beef stew with a Southwestern twist, perfect for a cozy meal.
Combine the flour, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large ziplock bag.
Shaking the beef in the bag ensures even coating and less mess.
Add the cubed beef to the bag and shake until all pieces are evenly coated.
Make sure the beef is dry before adding to the bag for better coating.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches.
Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure proper browning.
Add the onion, stewed tomatoes, bay leaf, beef broth, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check occasionally to ensure the stew doesn't stick to the bottom.
Add the carrots and continue to simmer for another 25 minutes.
Cut the carrots evenly for consistent cooking.
Stir in the corn and heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew to thicken.
Add the mixture gradually to control the thickness.
Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew warm.
Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.