Western Chili Con Carne

4 Servings

1/2 c onion, Chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 T oil
3/4 lb beef, Ground
3 1/3 c cooked, drained beans pinto, kidney or pink
1 c water
3 t chili powder
1 t paprika
3/4 t salt
1/2 t oregano, crushed
1/4 t pepper
1/8 t cumin, Ground
1 bay leaf
1 ds cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cn tomatoes (14-16 oz.)
4 1/2 t yellow corn meal
Saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.
Add ground beef and brown, breaking apart with a fork.
Stir in beans, water, seasonings and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 1-1/2 hours; stir occasionally. To thicken, slowly add corn mean, stirring constantly; cook over medium-high heat until mixture boils. Remove bay leaf.