Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the meat and stir to break up the pieces.
  3. Cook, stirring, until the meat is brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the onion, green bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, Essence, salt, cumin, oregano, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes.
  5. Put the whole tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and squeeze them with your hands to break them into pieces.
  6. Add the squeezed tomatoes and their juices, the tomato paste, sugar, and water to the pot.
  7. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  8. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat, ladle into a large bowl and top with the shredded cheese and serve with Crackers or tortilla chips.