Simple Chili Con Carne

I've been making this recipe for 50 years and I think it's strayed from my original recipe BUT as with wine it's gotten older and like all chili, better with age. Since I like taste rather than burning my tastebuds I've made this simple chili that has enough bite to taste like chili but not so much that you won't be able to savor the flavor. Hope you all enjoy it!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  large onion, sliced
• 1  green pepper, chopped
• 1  lb ground beef
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  cups canned tomatoes
• 1  cup tomato sauce
• 1  lb ground beef
• 2 (1 lb) cans kidney beans, drained
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄8 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne

Directions

1. Brown onion, green pepper and ground beef in olive oil in a large pot. Drain fat.
2. Add tomatoes , tomato sauce and beans, chili powder, salt, paprika and cayenne. Stir thouroughly. Add the bay leaf.
3. Simmer over low heat for 1 1/2 hours or more. Remove bay leaf. This can be placed inside a crock pot on low as the longer it cooks the better the flavors meld. i like to cook it a day or two before servings as it gets better with age. Instead of canned beans you can use dried beans that have been soaked overnight saving the liquid to add if needed.
4. You can add shredded cheddar cheese, or serve with crackers or corn chips instead of the traditional corn bread.