Ingredients

• 2 lbs quality ground beef
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, can substitute bacon drippings
• 2 tablespoons flour, heaping
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons cumin powder
• 1 -2 tablespoon sugar, to taste
• salt
• cayenne pepper
• water
• 16 ounces red kidney beans (optional)
• sliced green onion (optional)
• grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Make brown roux (careful not to burn) with oil and flour, stirring constantly.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute about 3 minutes.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up chunks.

4. Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin powder, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper topping with about 1 - 2 cup water, depending on desired consistancy.

5. Stir to combine and simmer half covered for 20 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking the level of liquid.

6. If adding the optional can red kidney beans, add this 5 to 10 minutes prior to the end of cook time.

7. Top individual servings with cheddar cheese and sprinkle with sliced green onions.