To me, the best chili has no chili powder, and steak instead of ground beef.
1 lb steak (any inexpensive cut will do)
1 can Tomatoes; (16-ounce)
1 can Tomato sauce; (8-ounce)
1 Green bell pepper
1 mid Size onion
3/4 c Red wine
1 can Kidney beans (16-ounce)
1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
2 Bay leaves
Cayenne pepper (1/2 tablespoon at most)
Salt and pepper
Saute onions and peppers in a pot with vegetable oil until brown. Season the steak lightly with cayenne, salt and papper; cook the steak on the grill and cube it; add the cubed steak to the pot. Add bay leaves, tomatoes, tomato sauce and kidney beans. Stir together. Add salt and pepper, and up to 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper (or to taste). Bring ingredients to a boil and leave uncovered. Lower heat and simmer for at least one hour, longer if needed for consistency. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve chili hot with crackers, cornbread or grated cheese. It's Yummy!
This is adapted from Tom Wopat's 1997 recipe. He also adds wine, louisiana hot sauce and worcestershire sauce, but I leave them out.