In a large pot over high heat, brown beef in canola oil. Add onion, garlic, serrano pepper, and tomato paste and stir for 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium. Add all vegetables and stir for 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper, and boil for 15 minutes. Add garlic and cilantro.
Transfer to large, oven-safe dish and bake for 30 minutes, until surface becomes golden brown.
Notes
For vegan prep, exclude beef and substitute vegetable broth