INGREDIENTS
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2 pounds cubed stew beef
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1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) chopped onion
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2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
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2 cups (15 ounces) chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned
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6-ounce can tomato paste
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1 cup (5 ounces) diced fresh green bell pepper
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2 tablespoons dried cilantro (optional, but good)
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
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2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, to taste
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up to 4 tablespoons sugar, to taste, optional; cuts the acidity of the tomatoes
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1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes hot sauce, optional
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1 tablespoon cornmeal
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1 cup (8 ounces) water
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1 can (15 ounces) dark red kidney beans or black beans, well-drained