Four-Alarm Chili

2 lbs. ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1-28 oz. can tomatoes, do not drain
2 medium onions, quartered
1 med. green pepper, sliced
1-15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cup water
3 T. hot chili sauce (jalapeno or habanera)
1/4 cup chili powder
1 1/2 t. ground red chili pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
1-15 oz. can red beans, drained and rinsed

Toppings
Shredded cheddar cheese
chopped tomato
shredded lettuce
sour cream

In a large soup pot, brown meat and garlic; drain grease. Put all the remaining ingredients except the red beans and bay leaf and toppings, in a blender. Cover and blend on medium speed. Add to meat mixture. Add bay leaf and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add beans and simmer another 30 minutes. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomato, shredded lettuce and sour cream.