Tex-Mex Tailgater'S Chili
["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"]
["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."]
["lean ground beef", "chunky salsa", "water", "brown gravy mix", "ground cumin", "black beans", "jalapeno peppers", "garlic", "tortilla chips"]