Gringo Chili

Yield: 4 servings

2 teaspoons lard, butter or bacon drippings
1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 pound beef round, coarse grind
2 tablespoons ground hot red chile
1 tablespoon ground mild red chile
1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cans tomato soup
1 can onion soup
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans

Melt the lard, butter or drippings in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent.

Combine the meat with the ground chile, oregano, cumin, and garlic. Add this meat-and-spice mixture to the pot. Break up and lumps with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned.

Stir in the tomato soup, onion soup, and beans. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1/2 hour until the liquids cook down and the mixture thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings.

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