Instructions

1. Crumble up to 1 pound of cooked hamburger patties into the smallest chunks you can make. If you have a food processor, pulse the hamburger into fine chunks. Add the crumbled hamburger meat to a large pot.

2. Pour canned beans with their liquid into the pot. You can use whatever type of beans you prefer. Kidney beans are classic, but you can also use pinto, black or white beans, or a combination. Use 16 ounces, or 1 small can, of beans for every pound of crumbled hamburger.

3. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to the pot. For 1 pound of hamburger, use one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, with its juices.

4. Add diced onion, chopped green peppers, chili powder, salt, paprika and black pepper to the pot. Use about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of onions and green peppers, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Add the other spices by the teaspoonful to your taste. Feel free to add any additional spices you prefer, such as garlic powder or cumin, as well.

5. Stir all the ingredients well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently as it reaches a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for roughly 45 minutes to an hour, stirring often, or until the chili has thickened to your liking. Serve hot.