Crock Beef Stew

No official recipe for this either.

I use a package of stewing beef. I am guessing it might be a pound and a half. I cut the pieces smaller than they come.
Peeled potatoes, carrots, celery, onion... just whatever feels right. Maybe 5 or 6 potatoes, two celery stalks, one onion, as many carrots as you like. Chop them all up and throw them in the crock with the beef.
I sometimes add some frozen peas or corn or leftover veggies that are lurking in the fridge.
Add a couple packets of beef bouillion, and just a bit of water... maybe 1/4 cup. Set on low or high until all is tender and smells so good.
Depending on the potatoes you use, you may not need to add any cornstarch to thicken the gravy. If it is not to your liking... mix maybe two heaping tablespoons of cornstarch in a little cold water and add to stew. Let simmer a little until thickened.
I serve this with bread or biscuits

Baja Beef and Beans

1 1/2 pound boneless beef round steak
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1 cup fresh or bottled salsa
16 ounces canned red or kidney beans, drained

Trim fat from meatand place in slow cooker. Combine garlic, pepper, salt, chili powder and mustard and mix with meat. Stir in onion, bouillon granules and salsa. Cover and cook on LOW 7 1/2 to 8 hrs. Turn to HIGH. Add beans. Cover and cook on HIGH 30 min.

Notes - You can use stewing beef. Serve over rice. This is very adaptable. Black beans, chicken... anything works.