Peruvian Beef and Noodle Stew

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Ingredients

1. 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2. 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
3. 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4. 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
6. 5 cups beef stock or low-sodium broth
7. 1 large baking potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
8. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
9. 1 bay leaf
10. 4 ounces dried fideos noodles or spaghettini, crushed
11. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1. In a soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the sirloin and cook over high heat until browned all over; transfer to a plate.
2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the pot. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook over moderately high heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the stock, potato, cumin and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add the noodles and simmer until al dente, about 5 minutes. Return the meat and any accumulated juices to the pot and cook until warmed through, about 1 minute. Discard the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper, ladle into bowls and serve.