coat beef cubes in cornstarch, place into a med/high skillet with bacon fat, cook all sides until browned

after transferring beef to crock pot, place skillet back on heat and deglaze with liquids (1/4 cup of the water). pour into crock pot

add all veggies, coarsely chopped

add all spices

add water and beef base

cook on low for 7-9 hours, stirring occasionally