Texas Chili`N Pasta

1 pound pasta -- uncooked

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 1/2 pounds beef chuck -- diced in 1/4-inch

chunks 3 garlic clove -- minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

15 ounces canned tomatoes

3 cups water

1/4 cup corn meal

2 tablespoons cold water

Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain. Heat oil over medium hig h heat in a large, heavy pan. Add meat and garlic and brown lightly. Add seas onings and stir to coat meat. Add tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil, then r educe heat, cover and simmer 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add cold wate r to cornmeal and stir to make paste. Stir into hot beef mixture. Continue to cook and stir for 20-30 minutes uncovered until desired consistency. Serve ov er hot pasta.