3 slices bacon, diced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped onion
2-1/2 tsp salt
¾ cup chopped green pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
8 cups canned red kidney beans
1/8 to ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
8 cups peeled, chopped tomatoes (seeded, if desired)

Place the diced bacon in a heavy 6- t0 8-quart pot and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the onion and pepper to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until barely soft. Add the ground beef and continue to cook until it is brown. Add the kidney beans, tomatoes, garlic, salt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and reserved bacon. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer for about 35 minutes or until the tomatoes cook down. Correct the seasoning.