Mom's Half Hour Chili

This is my favorite Chili recipe. I have found that if I make it the day before and put it in the refrigerator over night and have it the next day, the spices have blended nicely together. Having said that, it is tasty the first day, but the day after is even better. Please note, I like my chili to be thick and not like soup. You could actually eat this with tortilla chips, a spoon, or over a hotdog or french fries if you are so inclined.  The recipe is as follows:

1 lb ground beef ( I have used steak and stew meat; you could also substitute chicken)
1/2 c. chopped onion (can be omitted)
1 tsp. garlic salt
3-4 tsps. chili powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
3 c cooked tomatoes
1 #2 can read kidney beans

Please note, these are the basic ingredients and you can change it to suit your desire for heat.  I add red chili pepper flakes and more chili powder. Saute the ground beef with the onion, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic salt, and bay leaf until browned. Add tomatoes, simmer 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and add beans. Cook 10-15 minutes or more stir often.