1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Mexican diced tomatoes
1 envelope (1.25 ounces) chili seasoning mix
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 packages (32 ounces each) frozen french-fried potatoes
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: Sour cream and sliced jalapeno peppers
Place onion and carrot in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Toss beef with 2 tablespoons flour. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat; brown beef in batches. Transfer meat to slow cooker.
Drain tomatoes; reserving liquid. In a small bowl, whisk reserved liquid, chili seasoning and remaining 1 Tbsp. flour until blended; pour over beef. Stir in the tomatoes, beans and peppers. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, about 6 hours.
Prepare fries according to package directions. Serve chili over fries; sprinkle with cheese. If desired, top with sour cream and jalapeno slices.