Chili Con Carne

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 cup chopped onion
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cans (about 16 ounces each) whole tomatoes, chopped
1 can (about 14 ounces) tomato sauce
1-2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 whole bay leaf
1 can (about 15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1. Coat a large, heavy pot with oil. Add the meat, onion and green pepper and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any fat.
2. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt (optional), oregano, cumin, black pepper, and bay leaf. Cover loosely and simmer about an hour, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning and add more if desired.
3. Add kidney beans and cook 20-30 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.