2 tbsp. butter
4 med. onions, chopped
1 lg. bell pepper, chopped
2 lbs. ground beef
2 (28 oz.) cans tomato sauce
2 (#2) cans dark kidney beans, drained
2-4 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
3 tsp. cumin
1 sm. bay leaf
2 tsp. oregano

OPTIONAL TOPPERS:

Cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped onion

Melt butter in a large soup kettle. Brown onions and beef until done. Add remaining ingredients, stirring gently to mix. Heat until bubbling. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours.