Tex-Mex Tailgater'S Chili - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef or pork
1 (16 oz.) jar chunky salsa (mild, medium or hot)
1 c. water, divided
1 pkg. brown gravy mix
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 to 2 tsp. jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (optional)
garlic to taste, chopped
tortilla chips or crackers

Preparation

In a 2-quart saucepan or large skillet, cook and stir the ground beef or pork and stir until no longer pink; drain. Add salsa and 1/2 cup water. Heat to boiling. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, blend the gravy mix with 1/2 cup cool water and stir in the cumin. Pour gravy mixture into boiling mixture; heat and stir until thickened. Stir in beans, peppers (if desired) and garlic. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. May garnish with cilantro leaves on the serving plate.