2 lbs. coarse ground beef
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 (1 lb. 14 oz.) can sm. red beans
Pinch of cumin (optional)
1 tbsp. chili powder to taste
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 c. water
1 clove garlic, crushed

Brown beef in Dutch oven or heavy skillet. Pour off fat. Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and sugar over meat and mix well. Add onion and green pepper; cook until almost tender. Stir in tomato sauce, water, garlic, and cumin. Cover and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add beans, with liquid. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes longer or cook in slow cooker 4 hours on high, combining sauce and beans.