In Dutch oven or chili kettle over medium heat, sauté beef stirring occasionally until red color disappears.
If you have a hamburger chopper, cut down the beef into small pieces while cooking.
Keep ground beef in small chunks.
Pour off fat.
Add onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, oregano, basil; mix well.
Cook, stirring, until onion and green pepper are tender—about 5 minutes.
Stir in sugar, salt, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste; mix well.
Bring to boiling, breaking up tomatoes with a fork.
Simmer slowly, covered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors are blended—about 40 minutes.
Add beans; simmer, covered, 10 minutes, or until hot.
Garnish with cheddar cheese, if desired.
Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired.