Easy Chili

My youngest daughter is a major chili fan. Finding a recipe that was both easy and tasty was very important.
NEED:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeno chile peppers
1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, undrained (optional as beans are not a part of true chili)
salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine the ground beef, onion and bell peppers. Saute for about 5 minutes, or until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the chili powder, garlic, bay leaf, cumin, chile peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in the beans and heat through.

Enjoy!