3 lb. coarse ground beef
3 tbsp. salad oil
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. green pepper
2 to 4 cloves crushed garlic

Saute beef in oil in large kettle.

Add:

2 to 3 bay leaves
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. red pepper or pepper sauce
2 c. water

Simmer, covered, 3 hours. If too watery, thicken with runny paste made of flour and water. Cook another 30 minutes. If beans are desired, add cooked pinto beans - 2 cups - during the last 30 minutes of cooking.