2 lbs. ground beef
1 lg. onion, diced
1 lg. bell pepper, diced
1 lg. garlic clove, minced
1/3 c. chili powder
2 lg. cans red kidney beans
Ground red pepper or hot pepper sauce
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
3/4 c. water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 bay leaf

In large pot, cook ground beef, pepper, onions and garlic until browned. Stir in chili powder. Cook 1 minute. Drain liquid from beans into meat mixture. Reserve beans.

Stir in tomatoes, paste, water, salt, sugar and bay leaf. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 45 minutes. Stir in beans; cover and cook 15 minutes. Serve with crackers.