Brown the ground beef and add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin and bay leaf. Continue cooking meat in its own juices. If meat dries up add a little water. Next, begin adding the chile powder. Add water and let simmer for a short while. If you desire to add beans to your chile you should add cooked pinto beans now.

Serve in bowls and garnish with cheese and onions and hot flour tortillas or crackers. This chile may also be served over enchiladas or tamales or added into Chile con Queso