Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3       tb           Lard,butter,or bacon dripins
   2                    Onions,lg,coarsely chopped
   8       lb           Beef chuck,coarse grind or
   8       lb           Beef round,coarse grind
   5                    Garlic cloves,finely chopped
   5 1/3   tb           Red chile,hot,ground
   5 1/3   tb           Red chile,mild,ground
   1       tb           Cumin
   1       t            Oregano,dried,pref. Mexican
   3       cn           Tomato sauce(8oz ea)
   3       c            Water
   2       tb           Salt
                        Parsley(optional)
   1       c            Corn flour(masa harina)

Preparation:

1. Melt the lard, butter, or bacon drippings in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent.~ 2. Combine the beef with the garlic, ground chile, cumin, and oregano. Add this meat-and-spice mixture to the pot with the onions. Break up any lumps with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally about 1/2 hour, until the meat is evenly browned.~ 3. Add the tomato sauce, water, salt, and optional parsley. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.~ 4. Stir in the corn flour(masa harina) to achieve the desired consistency.~ 5. Cook 10 minutes longer, stirring. Taste and adjust seasonings.~