Emeril's Down Home Chili

By AzWench

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can tomatoes (15-ounce)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a heavy 6-quart pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and stir with a large wooden spoon to break up the meat. Cook, stirring, until the meat is brown and cooked through, 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, chili powder, essence, salt, cumin, and black pepper, and cook, stirring, until soft, 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.