Step 1

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sauté beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain fat and return beef mixture to the pot.

Step 2

Add the tomato paste, whole tomatoes and their juices, beef broth, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt, bay leaf, oregano, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer the chili over very low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Break up the big tomatoes with a wooden spoon or a fork as you stir.

Step 3

Add the beans and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes longer. Thin the chili with extra beef broth, if necessary. Discard the bay leaf. Ladle into individual serving bowls and garnish with desired toppings.