Homemade Beef Chili with Beans

INGREDIENTS

1/2 tbsp

ground cumin

1/2 tbsp

dried oregano

1 tbsp

chili powder

1/2 tsp

Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama ), or to taste, optional

2 tbsp

olive oil

1 1/2 cups

chopped yellow onion

1 cup

chopped green bell pepper

1 7 ounce can

of chopped green chiles or up to 1/4 cup of jalapeno peppers

2 lb

ground chuck

garlic cloves , minced

1 tbsp

granulated sugar

2 tbsp

Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp

hot sauce , or to taste

1 28 ounce can

of whole tomatoes , undrained , chopped

( 14.5-ounce ) can diced tomatoes , undrained

2 cups

beef stock or broth

bay leaves

3 15 ounce cans

of light kidney beans , drained and rinsed , divided

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper ,