1-First, prepare your ingredients: Cut 3 pounds of stew meat into 1-inch cubes and dice 1 medium onion and optionally 1 small green bell pepper.

2-Second, in a large pot, brown the beef cubes in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat to lock in flavor, along with the diced onion and green bell pepper if using.

3-Third, add 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce or 1 large diced tomato, 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the pot.

4-Fourth, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the meat mixture and stir well to thicken the sauce, then pour in 1 cup of water or chicken stock to remove any lumps.

5-Fifth, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.

6-Sixth, check the seasoning and adjust salt or spices as desired; add vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a heartier meal if you prefer.

7-Final step: Serve hot with flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete dish.