Here's my basic chili recipe, though it can vary based on what ingredients:

Saute garlic, minced onion and red bell pepper until soft.

Add 1lb ground beef or turkey, salt & pepper, cook until brown.

Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, bay leaf (if I have one, which I usually don't), paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy).

At this point, I transfer it to the slow cooker, but you could leave it on the stove too.

Add a 15 oz can of tomato sauce, one of diced tomatoes, and two cans of kidney beans (drained). Next time I make it I plan on cooking my own kidney beans to save money.

Add some lime juice, the acidity will make the chili perkier. If you don't like/don't have limes on hand, use a tablespoon or two of vinegar. Cook that for a few hours in the slow cooker.

I top it with fresh cilantro leaves, cheese, and jalepeno slices.