Dice the onions, peppers, and garlic and set aside.
Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and 1 teaspoon of salt. Brown the meat well. Add the onion, peppers, and garlic to the seared meat and cook until the veggies have softened about 6 minutes.
Add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and incorporate into the mixture. Cook for a few minutes until it starts to caramelize. Add the hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes and stir until well combined.
Add 1 ½ teaspoons paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ cup chili powder, 2 teaspoons oregano, black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), and the cup of Dr. Pepper. Cook until the Dr. Pepper is mostly gone.
Add the beef broth and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
Add the masa or cornmeal and cook until it has thickened. Add tomato puree and taste for salt.
Simmer as long as desired