2 lbs ground beef
1 med onion, chopped (I have used dry minced onion before)
3 cloves garlic (I always add garlic powder to taste)
3 cups water
1 (16 oz) can whole tomatoes,un-drained & chopped
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ? teaspoons salt
? teaspoon sugar (I add brown sugar to taste)
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
? teaspoon dried oregano
? teaspoon dried whole basil
dash of red pepper
1 (16 oz) can pinto beans or dk red kidney beans

Combine ground beef, onion, and garlic (or garlic powder) in a large skillet. Cook until meat is browned, stirring to crumble meat. Drain off pan drippings and pour meat ingredients into large pot. Add water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, flour, salt, sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, basil, and pepper mixing well. Cover and simmer 1 ? hours (I let it simmer on really low heat for several hours for better flavor) Add pinto (or kidney) beans and simmer for another 30 minutes or however long you think best. Ladle into individual bowls and serve immediately.