1 1/2 c. red kidney beans
1 onion, sliced
1 lb. ground beef
2 1/2 c. tomato juice
1 to 1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf
1 can chopped tomatoes

Brown onion and meat, drain. Add beans, tomato juice, chili powder, salt, dash of pepper, bay leaf, dash of cayenne pepper (optional) and tomatoes. (Juice of the canned tomatoes may be included with the 2 1/2 cups tomato juice for a thicker soup. Otherwise also add juice of canned tomatoes.) Cover, let simmer for 30 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally.