1. Prepare Slow Cooker and Brown Beef:

• Place the chopped medium onion and finely chopped medium carrot into the bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker.
• Cut the beef stew meat into uniform 1/2-inch pieces if not already. Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels. Toss the beef with 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour until lightly coated.
• Heat the canola oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the flour-coated beef to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the beef well on all sides.
• As batches are browned, transfer the seared meat to the slow cooker on top of the onions and carrots.

2. Prepare Chili Liquid and Combine in Slow Cooker:

• Carefully drain the liquid from the can of Mexican diced tomatoes into a small bowl, reserving the diced tomatoes themselves.
• To the bowl with the reserved tomato liquid, whisk in the chili seasoning mix and the remaining 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and blended.
• Pour this seasoned liquid mixture over the browned beef in the slow cooker.
• Stir in the reserved diced tomatoes (from the can), the rinsed and drained pinto beans, the chopped green bell pepper, and the seeded/finely chopped jalapeno pepper (if using).

3. Slow Cook the Chili:

• Cover the slow cooker securely with its lid.
• Cook on the LOW setting for approximately 6 hours, or until the beef stew meat is very tender and easily shreds or breaks apart with a fork.

4. Prepare Fries and Assemble Chili Fries:

• Towards the end of the chili’s cooking time (or when ready to serve), prepare the frozen French-fried potatoes according to the package directions (typically baked in the oven or deep-fried until golden and crispy).
• Once the chili is cooked and the beef is tender, and the fries are hot and crispy, it’s time to assemble!
• For each serving, place a generous portion of crispy French fries on a plate or in a shallow bowl.
• Ladle a hearty amount of the slow-cooked Texas chili over the fries.
• Sprinkle generously with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

5. Add Optional Toppings and Serve:

• If desired, top the cheesy chili fries with a dollop of sour cream and a few slices of fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers.
• Serve the Texas Chili Fries immediately while hot and the cheese is melty. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food!