CUBAN-STYLE BEEF AND BEANS

1 can (14 1/2-oz) diced tomatoes with jalapenos

1/3 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup water
2 yellow bell peppers, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
1 can (15 1/2-oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 white onion, chopped
1 large carrot, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 (1 to 1 1/2-lbs) round steak trimmed

In a large bowl, whisk the tomatoes, tomato paste, and water together until blended. Stir in the bell peppers, beans, onion, carrot, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Transfer half of the mixture to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker/crockpot. Top mixture with the steak then the remaining half of bean mixture. Cover the cooker and cook until the meat and carrots are fork tender, 10 to 12 hours on low or 5 to 6 hours on high.

Before serving, remove the steak from the cooker to a large plate or a cutting board. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes then shred the steak using 2 forks. Return the meat to the cooker and cook on high about another 5 minutes or until heated through.

 Note: File photo