Place onions and bell pepper in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add ground beef on top. Stir and crumble beef as it cooks. During last 5 minutes of cooking, add garlic and stir.
After all the pink disappears from the meat, drain off excess grease.
Add kidney beans, tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well.
Add chili powder, salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream and jalapeno peppers or serve with Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Fritters. Or both.