Chili Con Carne

I've tried many chili recipes over the years, this is the only one I liked. This recipe is simple and delicious. My old recipe book is falling apart so I need to preserve this recipe because it is a winter staple in my house!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped onion
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped green pepper
• 3  teaspoons chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  hot pepper sauce
• 1 -2  garlic clove, minced
• 28  ounces tomatoes, undrained, cut up
• 10 3⁄4 ounces  condensed tomato soup
• 6  ounces tomato paste
• 4  ounces  chopped green chilies, undrained
• 15 1⁄2 ounces kidney beans (optional) or 15 1⁄2 ounces  your favorite chili beans (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion; drain.
2. In a large saucepan, combine ground beef mixture and remaining ingredients except beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1/2 to 2 hours stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in beans; simmer until thoroughly heated.