Spiced Chili

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, cut up
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Shredded cheddar cheese, optional